Melissa Hyatt
Canton
Summary
Experienced leader with dedication and passion for Health Sciences education. Commitment to excellence in the education and training of the next generation of Healthcare Professionals. Known for supporting individuals to achieve their best and for producing competent, caring graduates.
Overview
39
39
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Dean of Health Sciences
Southwestern Community College
01.2022 - 04.2025
- Led strategic initiatives to enhance 17 Health Science academic programs and student engagement.
- Enhanced program performance by collaborating with faculty to develop innovative teaching strategies, including interprofessional learning activities.
- Established cutting edge regional Health Science Simulation Center.
- Oversaw accreditation processes, securing quality instruction and training for successful student outcomes.
- Engaged and collaborated with industry partners to expand real world training and networking opportunities for students.
- Mentored Program Directors and Faculty, fostering a culture of professionalism and excellence.
- Analyzed institutional data to drive decision-making to enhance the educational experience through top rated program offerings.
- Served as an advocate for the Health Sciences Division by effectively communicating with upper-level administration, securing resources necessary for continuous growth and improvement.
- Managed budgetary responsibilities effectively, ensuring proper allocation of funds to support essential operations and growth opportunities.
- Improved student retention rates by implementing comprehensive academic advising services and support systems.
Medical Laboratory Technology/Phlebotomy Department Chair
Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
01.2003 - 12.2021
- Maintained program accreditation with the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science.
- Led curriculum development initiatives to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes.
- Implemented strategic planning processes, aligning departmental goals with institutional objectives.
- Established partnerships with local organizations to expand workforce development opportunities for students.
- Oversaw budget management, ensuring efficient allocation of resources within the department.
- Facilitated data-driven decision-making through analysis of student performance metrics and program effectiveness.
- Mentored junior faculty, fostering professional growth and collaboration among academic staff.
Medical Laboratory Technology/Phlebotomy Instructor
Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
01.1996 - 01.2003
- Developed curriculum for Medical Laboratory and Phlebotomy courses, aligning with industry standards and educational requirements.
- Implemented innovative teaching methods to improve student engagement and retention rates in the Medical Laboratory and Phlebotomy programs.
- Fostered strong relationships with local medical facilities, securing valuable externship opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience in real-world settings.
- Mentored new instructors on effective teaching strategies and classroom management techniques for optimal learning experiences.
Operations Coordinator
Mission Hospitals Laboratory
01.1995 - 01.1996
- Managed inventory control processes, optimizing supply levels and reducing waste.
- Coordinated daily operational activities to ensure efficient laboratory workflow.
- Implemented quality assurance protocols, enhancing compliance with industry standards.
- Developed scheduling systems to improve staff allocation and resource utilization.
- Streamlined communication between departments, fostering collaboration on projects and initiatives.
Clinical Chemistry Manager
St. Joseph's Hospital
01.1991 - 01.1995
- Managed multi-disciplinary teams, fostering collaboration among departments to improve service delivery.
- Implemented data-driven decision-making practices to optimize resource allocation and reduce costs.
- Directed operational strategies to enhance patient care quality and streamline hospital processes.
Medical Technologist
St. Joseph's Hospital
01.1986 - 01.1991
- Performed laboratory tests on blood and other specimens to ensure accurate patient diagnosis.
- Analyzed test results, identifying discrepancies and implementing corrective actions to enhance reliability.
- Operated and maintained advanced laboratory equipment, ensuring optimal performance and compliance with safety standards.
Education
Master of Health Sciences - Adult Education
Western Carolina University
01.2004
Bachelor of Science - Medical Technology
Western Carolina University
01.1986
Associate of Applied Science - Medical Laboratory Technology
Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
01.1984
Skills
- Highly dedicated classroom instructor with a focus on student learning and success
- Ability to meet students where they are and foster them on their journey to academic and professional success
- Proven classroom instructional success
- Academic administration knowledge
- Excellent communication
- Academic goal advisement
- Academic leadership
- Learning outcome assessment
- Accreditation compliance
- Performance assessment
Certification
- CDC Certification in Epidemiology
- American Society of Clinical Pathologist, Medical Technologist Certification
- American Society of Clinical Pathologist, Medical Laboratory Technician Certification
Accomplishments
- Completed North Carolina Community College Leadership Academy
- Facilitated the addition of Allied Dental Programs at Southwestern Community College, and over saw the construction of a state of the art Dental Clinic.
- Established a cutting edge, regional Health Science Simulation training center at Southwestern Community College.
- Created a Respiratory Therapy Consortium between Southwestern Community College and Blue Ridge Community College in an effort to meet workforce needs.
- 100% Certification Pass Rate and Employment of Medical Laboratory graduates during entire time as Department Chair.
- Completed the North Carolina State University Department Chairs Institute.
Awards and Recognitions
- Department Chair of the #2 ranked Phlebotomy program in the nation, Nursing Process.org,
- Recipient of Enrollment Rebound Award for Stellar Performance, Asheville Buncombe Technical Community College 2021,
- Recipient of 2017 NISOD Excellence Award from the College of Education, University of Texas at Austin, Recipient of the North Carolina Society of Clinical Laboratory Sciences Keys to the Future Award
Timeline
Dean of Health Sciences
Southwestern Community College
01.2022 - 04.2025
Medical Laboratory Technology/Phlebotomy Department Chair
Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
01.2003 - 12.2021
Medical Laboratory Technology/Phlebotomy Instructor
Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
01.1996 - 01.2003
Operations Coordinator
Mission Hospitals Laboratory
01.1995 - 01.1996
Clinical Chemistry Manager
St. Joseph's Hospital
01.1991 - 01.1995
Medical Technologist
St. Joseph's Hospital
01.1986 - 01.1991
Bachelor of Science - Medical Technology
Western Carolina University
Associate of Applied Science - Medical Laboratory Technology
Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
Master of Health Sciences - Adult Education
Western Carolina University