Dr. Melissa Abeyta

Director of the National Consortium on College Men of Color (NCCMC)

She/Her/Dra

Dr. Melissa Abeyta is the Director of the National Consortium on College Men of Color (NCCMC). As a practitioner-scholar her research revolves around using an anti-deficit lens that explores the experiences of formerly incarcerated students in higher education. Dr. Abeyta’s professional experience includes working for an equity assessment lab that conducted qualitative research and assessment for regional and national projects.

Dr. Abeyta was awarded the Ron Jacobs Outstanding Research Award for her study, A Phenomenological Study of Formerly Incarcerated Latino Men in California Community Colleges. Her research has been recognized as a model of transformation and change. Most recently was awarded the Community College Research and Scholarship Award from the NASPA Community College Division. Dr. Abeyta is committed to serving traditionally underrepresented students in higher education through research and policy. She also served as the inaugural co-chair for the NASPA Formerly Incarcerated Students & System Impacted Families Knowledge Community.

Beyond the classroom, Dr. Abeyta extends her teaching through academic, personal and professional femtorship of students and colleagues. She engages students and support their scholar identity in research activities, including conference proceedings, and publications. Dr. Abeyta is connected by students throughout the country for advice and guidance on qualitative research, navigating their doctoral program, and/or academia. The following is a list of courses that she has taught: Student Affairs and Student Success; Access and Equity in Higher Education; College Student Development: Theory and Practice; Scholarly Writing; Qualitative Research; Advanced Qualitative Research.

Dr. Abeyta is a product of the California Community System, she earned her A.A. degree from Southwestern College. She is also a proud 3x San Diego State University alumnae earning an B.A. in Communication and Chicana/o Studies, a M.A. in Postsecondary Educational Leadership specializing in Student Affairs, and an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership.