John Melick

John Melick, director of field placement and licensure in the Department of Education, won the Excellence in Innovative Service Award, given to a professional employee who has demonstrated tangible innovation, positive and broad impact on student experience, and/or leadership through role modeling. The award comes with a $1,500 honorarium.

In his position, Melick creates school partnerships, ensures clinical placements for developing teachers and oversees their recommendations for a state of Montana license to teach. Colleagues say he has distinguished himself as a leader who expands engagement beyond local borders and who works to sustain the preparation of distinguished educators for all schools. Since starting his position in 2017, he has unfurled a host of innovations to better serve MSU education students as well as the Gallatin Valley, the state of Montana and an expanding international group of teachers and their learners. Colleagues say he reaches out directly to students who are struggling and consistently works to provide opportunities for all students to be successful both in and out of the classroom.