The Gene Mitchell Gray Pioneer Award honors a student for work in promoting cultural diversity and enrichment on campus.
Melanie Barron
Melanie Barron teaches Geography 101 and intentionally incorporates social justice issues. The graduate teaching associate also has been meeting with other graduate students to form a group for teachers who are interested in expanding their teaching of social justice and diversity-related topics. She is building a strong community of teachers who can improve students’ social cultural competency through their teaching and interactions. The goal is to use innovative teaching methods that resonate with students. Barron is a doctoral student in the geography department. She also is engaged on campus as a member of the Progressive Student Alliance, an organization that works for social and economic justice.