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.