Dr. Melissa Morriss-Olson

Distinguished Professor, Author, and Podcast Host

Melissa Morriss-Olson, Ph.D., is a distinguished thought leader in higher education with over 30 years of experience in senior roles across enrollment management, advancement, and academic affairs. She is the founding host of the globally acclaimed IngenioUs podcast, which delves into higher education innovation and leadership.

During her decade-long tenure as Provost at Bay Path University, Dr. Morriss-Olson led transformative initiatives such as the Thumbprint educational model and the Women Empowered as Learners and Leaders (WELL) program. Her leadership resulted in the development of over 40 new academic programs, substantial revenue growth, and the successful acquisition of more than $6 million in grants, including two multi-million Title III and three NSF grants. She also championed diversity and inclusion efforts, driving significant institutional change.

A prolific author, Dr. Morriss-Olson has written three influential books on higher education, including the forthcoming Ingenious Leadership: Creating Solutions to Wicked Problems in Higher Education. She currently serves as Distinguished Professor of Higher Education Leadership and Provost Emerita at Bay Path University, where she is also the Founding Director of the doctoral program and the Center for Higher Ed Leadership and Innovative Practice. Her previous roles include leading major fundraising campaigns and founding the Axelson Center for Nonprofit Management at North Park University.

She holds a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from Loyola University Chicago and has completed executive programs at Harvard and through various professional associations.