Meet Melody

Dr. Melody Hawkins is an educator and leader based in Knoxville, TN, holding a bachelor’s degree in biological sciences and an EdD in Organizational Innovation and Leadership (2025). Inspired by her early experiences as one of the few Black women in her science courses, she shifted her career path from medicine to education with a commitment to increasing Black and BIPOC representation in STEM. A mother of two daughters, she is passionate about creating supportive and inclusive learning environments, particularly in urban schools. Dr. Hawkins discovered National University through the Harmony SEL programs she used in her classroom and went on to become the 2021 NU Teacher of the Year. She credits the strong community within her cohort for making every Monday’s class something she truly looked forward to.