Melanie E. Jones is an experienced fund raising and marketing professional with extensive experience in developing and expanding advancement programs at institutions of higher learning.  She is an energetic and transformative leader committed to advancing the community in which she lives and serves.

In January 2022, she assumed the role of Vice President for University Advancement and Innovation at Grambling State University (Grambling, LA).  She also serves as Executive Director of the Grambling University Foundation, Inc.  At Grambling, Melanie leads the University’s teams in strategic communication and marketing, alumni engagement, philanthropy, career services, university events and innovative initiatives.

Melanie has been an active volunteer and recognized community leader, serving on several boards to include Ruston-Lincoln Convention and Visitor Bureau, Rock Hill Economic Development Corporation, Piedmont Medical Center, Wells Fargo, Arts Council of York County, Council for Advancement and Support of Education, and more. She is a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Rotary International, and a host of other professional and civic organizations.

Prior to her role at GSU, she served as the Vice President for College Advancement at York Technical College in Rock Hill, SC and the Executive Director of the York Technical College Foundation, Inc.  She has also held roles at Allen University (Columbia, SC), Saint Augustine's College (Raleigh, North Carolina), the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, and the Hamilton County School District (Chattanooga, TN).

Melanie is a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE). She earned bachelor’s degree from Spelman College (Atlanta, Georgia) and a master’s degree from Tennessee Technological University (Cookeville, Tennessee).