Biography

Melissa Clarke Beckett became the Director of Parent Relations at Columbus Academy in July 2023, having previously served as our Director of Alumni Relations from July 2018 through December 2022. Originally from Toledo, Melissa graduated from Denison University in 2004 and completed her M.S. in Education and Allied Professions at the University of Dayton in 2007. A higher education veteran with over 18 years of experience Melissa has demonstrated success in fundraising, alumni engagement, student life and undergraduate admissions working at Denison University, Centre College, University of Dayton and Lourdes University. Melissa has been an active volunteer with the Independent College Advancement Associates since 2014 serving as a member of the Board of Directors, as well as leading the organization as the President, Immediate Past President and the 2017 Summer Conference Chair. For fun, Melissa and her husband Ben enjoy urban cycling, Columbus Blue Jacket games and spending quality time with their daughter Ruby.

Education
  • B.S. Denison University
  • M.S. University of Dayton