Friday, May 16, 2025
by Julia Kitchen
Melisa Brown delivering acceptance speech
Melisa Brown speaking at COMMencement
Each spring, the UNT Department of Communication Studies proudly honors one outstanding graduate with our COMM Alumnus of the Year award. This year, we are thrilled to recognize Melisa Brown (BA, 1993; MS, 2020) for her remarkable achievements, enduring dedication, and unwavering support of our department.
 
Melisa currently serves as the Senior Director of University Communications at UNT, where she applies the many lessons learned during her time in UNTCOMM to enhance the university’s messaging, ensure compliance, and navigate the occasional “bumps in the road” with clarity and care.
 
Melisa’s journey with UNTCOMM began in the early 1990s. After earning her bachelor’s degree, she went on to a successful career in media relations and marketing with Verizon and other large corporations. In 2015, she returned to her alma mater—first working in academic advising, and later joining UNT’s University Brand Strategy and Communications office.
 
That same year, Melisa began taking graduate courses in UNTCOMM, one or two at a time, while balancing the demands of a full-time job. Through UNT’s employee tuition benefit, she steadily worked toward her master’s degree and completed it in 2020—fully immersing herself once again in the UNTCOMM community.
 
Megan Morrissey, Melisa Brown, and Suzanne Enck posing with Alumnus of the Year Award
Melisa Brown with Dr. Megan Morrissey and Dr. Suzanne Enck
Melisa is a true fixture in our department. Whether it’s the Black Box performances, COMMencement ceremonies, COMM Day, teaching the occasional course, Homecoming tailgates, or mentoring through the Communication Alumni Mentoring Program (CAMP), Melisa is always there. When students seek guidance in fields like social media or crisis communication, she is the one they turn to—for her insight, experience, and generous spirit.
 
In addition to her professional accomplishments, Melisa is also a published children’s author. Her two books, Piggie Sue Finds a Friend and Piggie Sue & Mabel Too, follow the adventures of her beloved Boston terriers and showcase her creativity beyond the workplace.
 
Dr. Suzanne Enck, Department Chair and Melisa’s former major professor, shared this reflection: “Melisa is one of those rare souls who can connect with anyone and who truly delights in helping others find their ways. Melisa’s tenacity, creativity, and curiosity fueled her time as a student and in her years as an alum. I’m just so grateful to have Melisa as part of our UNTCOMM family.”
 
Congratulations, Melisa! Your leadership, generosity, and passion continue to make UNTCOMM #somethingtotalkabout!