Get to Know CCP Faculty: Meliss Wright, Assistant Professor, Economics and Statistics
Q: Why are you excited to join Community College of Philadelphia?
A: I am excited to grow as an educator. This is my 10th year teaching, and I cannot think of a better place to put down roots. I’m so grateful to be a part of this diverse community. I’m always striving to make economics courses more accessible and look forward to the rich insights CCP students, staff and faculty have to offer.
Q: How do you look forward to impacting our students with your academic/field training?
A: I look forward to showing students that they already apply economics principles in their daily lives and encouraging them to challenge the content we cover. Sometimes, students confuse their spot-on intuition for not understanding the content. I hope students leave my class confident enough to question policy and assessments of the economy.
Q: Tell us a little about your previous work experience, including titles, and what degrees you have.
A: Most recently, I was an assistant professor and chair of Agribusiness at Delaware Valley University, where I developed an online M.S. in Agribusiness Management. Before that, I was a visiting assistant professor at William & Mary, where I taught Statistics, Microeconomics and Environmental Economics. I earned my Ph.D. in Economics from Washington State University. I have a B.A. in Economics from Rowan University and an A.O.S. in Pastry and Baking from the Culinary Institute of America.
Q: Why did you choose to become an educator?
A: It brings me joy. I never set out to be a teacher or had the expectation I could love my job. After I taught my first course, I knew it was what I was meant to do.
Q: What experience or individual influenced your career direction?
A: Reflecting on my path as a first-generation student, at each crossroad and change in direction, there was an educator who took the time to share opportunities I didn't know existed or clear away any perceived limitations.
Q: Tell us something about yourself you would like the College community to know – hobbies, what you like to do for fun, a fun fact about yourself.
A: I love to sing. I recently joined my community choir. I have two dogs, Bean and Tarot. Tarot is my service animal. I trained Tarot myself through the Philadelphia Dog Training Club. I really enjoy it. We still go to weekly trainings to add to her repertoire and give her a well-deserved break.
Categories: Faculty Spotlight
More News
The ‘linked destinies’ of teachers and students
Educators and their students share a powerful link. That’s the teaching philosophy of Njemele Tamala Anderson, CCP alum and award-winning English teacher at Science Leadership Academy at Beeber. It’s an idea she shares when coaching new teachers.
Nursing Student Day Honors CCP Nursing Students for More Than 30 Years
As Community College of Philadelphia celebrates its 60th anniversary, the College’s Department of Nursing hosted a CCP staple that has honored Nursing students for more than half of the institution’s history. The Nursing Student Day, held every fall semester, dates back more than 30 years.
Celebrating Longtime Faculty and Staff at the College
The College hosted the annual Celebrate the Stars and Holiday Celebration event on Dec. 10, where the community came together to congratulate faculty and staff who have reached milestones in their years of service at the College. More than 100 employees celebrated 5, 10, 15, 20, 30 and 40 years of service and were presented with a certificate. The Gymnasium featured 1960s themed decor in honor of the College’s 60th anniversary, and attendees enjoyed food, music, dancing, games and raffles.