Leslie Melton serves as the senior director for academic advising and career services at Columbus State Community College. Leslie joined the college in 2018, serving as the director of career services. In her role, she provides leadership, vision, direction, and advocacy for a comprehensive array of career services and academic advising supports, which foster credential completion and transfer/placement by focusing on the student experience and each student’s success in achieving their academic, career, personal, and financial goals. While at Columbus State, Leslie’s work has focused on developing a holistic model for the delivery of career education and programming, integrating career coaching into the student experience from matriculation through completion.

Prior to joining Columbus State, Leslie served as the director of career services at Ohio Wesleyan University (OWU) for 10 years where she worked alongside faculty, staff, and employers to design and deliver quality career development programming and experiences. She spearheaded living and learning experiences that engaged diverse students and alumni. Through her partnerships, she expanded the footprint of the department and played a major role in securing substantial funding to support innovative programming efforts. During her tenure, she received the Robert and Bette Meyer Employee of the Year Award “for outstanding service and caring leadership on campus and in the community…”.

Prior to OWU, Leslie served as the assistant director of career services at Ohio University for four years. During her time, she also served as an academic advisor, instructor, and advised multiple leadership organizations for underrepresented students. She has nearly 20 years of experience building partnerships across campus and implementing innovative career development curricula and programming that integrates career and workforce readiness into the student academic experience.

Leslie holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s degree in Education from Northern Illinois University. She is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership. Leslie served as President of the Ohio Association for Employment in Education (OAEE) for over three years and on numerous committees for the National Association of College and Employers (NACE), NASPA Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education, and The American Association for Employment in Education (AAEE). Leslie has presented professionally at regional and national conferences on topics that include student engagement, building workforce partnerships, professional communication and etiquette, and on enhancing equity through work with diverse student populations. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for The Alpha Group, an organization whose mission is to provide programs and services to individuals with developmental disabilities.

Leslie’s work has been dedicated to building and enhancing partnerships that help students reach their personal and professional goals.