Melissa Tejeda is the Dean’s Medal nominee for Fresno State’s Department of Communication. She is graduating with a B.A. in Communication and a minor in Spanish.
“She is a top student who works hard to get everything she can out of her classes, and the quality of her scholarly and creative work is excellent,” said Dr. Douglas Fraleigh, professor.
As a first-generation college student, Tejeda showed perseverance throughout her education. During her time at Fresno State, she has been placed on the President’s List five times and the Dean’s List twice.
She has worked as a tutor on campus for students in both Communication and Spanish and was promoted to a level-two tutor, allowing her to train other tutors for the Fresno State Learning Center. She has been involved in volunteer training, community outreach and registration for the Peach Blossom Festival for the past two years. She volunteered at the Porterville Summer Strings Camp, using her proficiency to help Spanish-speaking campers.
“She has the unanimous, wholehearted support of the Communication tenured and tenure-track faculty and would be an excellent representative of the college and university,” said Dr. Dawn K. Lewis, chair of the Department of Communication.
As a Barking Bulldogs Debate Team member, Tejeda has been described as a leader and role model.
“She has been an exceptional member of our forensics team. She is a very talented performer and a strong leader,” Fraleigh said.
After graduating, Tejeda plans to enter the Higher Education Administration and Leadership (HEAL) program in the Kremen School at Fresno State. Ultimately, she is determined to keep creating student success programs.
“My goal is to create paths instead of barriers for students who feel hopeless in their academic careers. I will take all the skills obtained in my communication degree and strive for social justice and inclusivity among my peers, not only in my career but wherever life takes me,” said Tejeda.
The College of Arts and Humanities at Fresno State 