This post was written by Ayanna Roberts, B.A. ’24, M.A. in Integrated Design student.
Like many adult learners, Mellanie Lee’s path to higher education wasn’t traditional, but it was intentional.
After working as a guidance counselor in Baltimore city, Mellanie realized she was ready to take the next step in her own journey by returning to school to earn her bachelor’s degree. That decision would lead her to become a two-time graduate of The University of Baltimore.
“There was something about University of Baltimore that, for me, it felt like home,” Mellanie said.
Mellanie graduated from UBalt’s B.A. in Human Services Administration program in fall 2021. She made the decision to continue her education and pursue her Master of Public Administration, specializing in public and nonprofit management. She earned her MPA in fall 2025.
Now she’s pursuing her Doctor of Public Administration.
Mellanie said her experiences in the different degree programs played a key role in her growth.
“My professors here actually gave me an opportunity to home in and figure out how to really connect what I was getting my degrees in and also my work experience. It added and elevated what I’m already doing and what I’m looking to do in the future,” she said.
That sense of belonging encouraged her to become actively involved on campus, where she found opportunities that motivated her to reach her full potential.
She joined organizations such as the Merrick Alumni Partnership Student Association, Omicron Delta Kappa and the Women of Color Student Association (WoCSA).
These organizations provided opportunities for Mellanie to connect with fellow students, engage with mentors, and develop skills that would extend far beyond the classroom.
“University of Baltimore is not just focused on academics, they’re focused on the whole student, from clubs to organizations to the academics,” she said.
Looking ahead, Mellanie plans to leverage her MPA to expand her impact in the field of human services, building on the work she’s already doing through her own nonprofit, Behind the Smile, which focuses on mental health and suicide.
Today, Mellanie continues to recommend the University of Baltimore to others, especially adult learners who may be considering returning to school. She credits the University with providing not only a quality education, but also a sense of support and guidance.
“I’m thankful for the professors and staff here at UBalt,” she said. “They really do take a personal relationship to the students. I’ve made plenty of lifelong staff member friends here that have become family, and they celebrate you and congratulate you.”