STCC launched academic career for School of STEM’s new assistant dean
Dr. Melishia Santiago
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – Melishia Santiago first came to Springfield Technical Community College to take an English as a Second Language class. Her goal was to learn English and then pursue a college degree.
Some 20 years later, Santiago has returned to STCC a bilingual professional with a doctorate and new position as the assistant dean of the School of STEM (Science, Engineering, Technology and Math). Dr. Santiago started the position in June 2023.
In 2005, Santiago earned her associate degree from STCC in a science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) program that allowed her to transfer to the University of Massachusetts in Amherst and continue on to earn a bachelor’s degree in biology. She later earned master’s degrees and her doctorate.
Lara Sharp, dean of the School of STEM, said Santiago brings a high level of experience in higher education and an impressive background. Santiago earned her Ph.D. from Clark University in Worcester in climate science, ocean color remote sensing and Arctic biogeochemistry. She recently served as director and lecturer at the Office of Student Success & Diversity at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, and has taught in the Springfield Public Schools and at Westfield State University.
“We are pleased to welcome Melishia Santiago as assistant dean,” Sharp said. “She will work closely with faculty to help advance the college’s mission.”
STCC, the only technical community college in Massachusetts, is a federally designated as a Hispanic Serving Institution, which means at least 25 percent of the student population identifies as Latino, Latina or Latinx. Like many of STCC’s students, Santiago has roots in Puerto Rico. She grew up there and moved to Western Massachusetts when she was 18. She was the first in her family to go to college.
“STCC gave me an opportunity to earn an associate degree, but not only that, they have the MassTransfer option, which allowed me to transfer to UMass,” she said.
MassTransfer allows students who start at a Massachusetts community college to transfer seamlessly to a state college or university and save a significant amount of money compared to starting at a four-year. STCC is the most affordable college in Springfield.
Santiago said she’s thrilled to be back at STCC where she can do her part to transform students’ lives.
“In this position, I’m not working directly with students, but I’m supporting faculty to make an impact,” she said. “We’re talking about all students of course, but specifically first-generation, Pell-eligible students, underrepresented students in STEM, transfer students – they need that support.”
In addition to a Ph.D., Santiago holds a Master of Arts in Earth System Science from Clark University. She earned a Master of Science in Geography and a bachelor’s in biology from UMass-Amherst. At STCC, she received an associate degree in Pre-Medicine/Pre-Medical Studies.
The School of STEM at STCC includes programs in advanced manufacturing and engineering technologies, graphic communication and photography, landscape design and management, optics and photonics, as well as science and computer-related programs.
Interested in applying to STCC? Visit stcc.edu/apply or call Admissions at (413) 755-3333.
About Springfield Technical Community College
STCC, the Commonwealth's only technical community college, continues the pioneering legacy of the Springfield Armory with comprehensive and technical education in manufacturing, STEM, healthcare, business, social services, and the liberal arts. STCC's highly regarded workforce, certificate, degree, and transfer programs are the most affordable in Springfield and provide unequaled opportunity for the vitality of Western Massachusetts. Founded in 1967, the college – a designated Hispanic Serving Institution – seeks to close achievement gaps among students who traditionally face societal barriers. STCC supports students as they transform their lives through intellectual, cultural, and economic engagement while becoming thoughtful, committed and socially responsible graduates.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Jim Danko, (413) 755-4812, jdanko@stcc.edu