Melody Bowdon, Ph.D. is Professor and Chair in the Department of Writing and Rhetoric at the University of Central Florida. In the more than 25 years since she joined the UCF English Department as an Assistant Professor, Dr. Bowdon has served in several university leadership roles, including Interim Vice Provost of the Division of Teaching and Learning, Interim Dean of the College of Undergraduate Studies, Associate Vice Provost of Student Learning and Academic Success, Associate Dean of the College of Undergraduate Studies, Executive Director of the Faculty Center for Teaching and Learning, director of SACSCOC decennial reaffirmation of accreditation, and director of various graduate programs. She has served on a wide range of committees, mentored numerous colleagues, and has provided leadership on state and national levels, particularly in the arenas of student civic engagement and faculty professional development. She has published numerous books and articles about innovative pedagogies and institutional leadership. Her most recent interdisciplinary research areas include virtual reality pedagogy in the college classroom and inclusive models for learning space design, while her disciplinary scholarship focuses on professional communication in the government and nonprofit sectors.