Guided by a strong interest in higher education operations and event management, Melissa A. Thompson works as a program coordinator at Cornell University, supporting complex institutional initiatives that bring together trustees, alumni, and campus leadership. In her role, she contributes to the planning and execution of the university’s Trustee-Council Annual Meeting, managing registration systems, maintaining event websites, and ensuring that communications remain accurate and accessible. Her work also includes providing front-facing customer service, coordinating administrative communications for the office of the vice president during off-season periods, and supporting alumni trustee elections through detailed website updates.
Ms. Thompson’s academic background provided a strong foundation for her career in communications and higher education administration. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in public relations, advertising, and applied communication from SUNY Cortland in Cortland, New York, where she developed skills in strategic messaging, writing, and stakeholder engagement. During her undergraduate studies, she completed general education coursework at The Umbra Institute in Perugia, Italy, an experience that broadened her global perspective and deepened her appreciation for international education. She later expanded her professional knowledge through a travel career course with Roundtrip Collective, strengthening her understanding of global mobility, logistics, and destination-based programming.
Securing her position at Cornell University represents a defining professional achievement for Ms. Thompson. Entering the workforce during a period of widespread disruption in higher education required resilience, adaptability and patience. Despite a challenging job market, she remained committed to her goal of working within a university setting. This persistence ultimately led her to a role that aligns with her long-term interests in student engagement, academic programming and institutional service. She views this accomplishment not only as a personal milestone but also as validation of her determination during a difficult transitional period.
Before joining Cornell University, Ms. Thompson gained valuable experience in public relations and client services. She worked as an assistant account executive at Warren Johnson Limited, supporting client accounts and contributing to public relations campaigns that required careful coordination and clear communication. She also completed an internship with the firm, where she refined her writing skills, learned the mechanics of agency work, and developed a practical understanding of client relations. These experiences strengthened her ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining attention to detail.
Ms. Thompson also worked as an associate account coordinator at Magrino Public Relations, where she assisted with media outreach and client communications. Earlier internships with Hawkins International and FINN Partners introduced her to travel public relations, a field that initially captured her professional interest. Through these roles, she developed a strong foundation in research, media relations, and collaborative teamwork, while also discovering the environments in which her skills were most effective.
Alongside her professional work, Ms. Thompson has demonstrated a consistent commitment to service and community engagement as a religious education teacher. This role reflects her interest in mentorship, communication, and youth development, qualities that also shape her professional interactions. She is recognized for her ability to clearly explain information, listen attentively, and provide guidance with patience and respect.
At Cornell University, Ms. Thompson is especially valued for her technical expertise in managing websites, overseeing large-scale registration workflows, and creating backend registration processes. These skills have proven essential in coordinating complex events that involve multiple stakeholders. Her ability to anticipate challenges and maintain accurate systems contributes directly to the success of university-wide initiatives.
Ms. Thompson remains engaged in professional development through memberships with organizations such as Roundtrip Collective and Toastmasters International. These affiliations support her continued growth in communication, leadership and networking. She also holds the PRC Agency-Ready Certificate from the Public Relations Council, further strengthening her credentials within the communications field.
Throughout her career, Ms. Thompson credits the support of mentors and colleagues as essential to her growth. She speaks highly of her supervisor and coworkers at Cornell University, who challenge her to exceed expectations and refine her skills. She also acknowledges the steady encouragement of her mother, whose support proved especially meaningful during the uncertain periods that followed graduation.
Currently working within alumni affairs at Cornell University, Ms. Thompson aspires to become a study abroad advisor, combining her passions for travel and student mentorship by helping others navigate international educational experiences based on insights gained from her own time abroad.