Faculty/Staff Directory
Dr. Melissa Purvis
Lecturer
Credentials: Ed.D.
| Office Hours: | Cochran Campus Wiggs Hall 12 Wednesdays 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm Additional appointments available via TEAMS 478-934-3584 (office) |
| Locations: (Campus & Office) |
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| Biography: | Dr. Melissa Purvis is a Lecturer in the Department of Teacher Education & Social Work at Middle Georgia State University. She earned her Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from the American College of Education, where her doctoral research focused on teachers’ perceptions of leadership styles relating to retention. She also holds an Educational Specialist degree in Curriculum, Instruction, Management, and Administration from Nova Southeastern University, a Master of Education in Educational Leadership (Tier II) from Valdosta State University, a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education, and an Associate of Applied Science in Elementary Education. Prior to joining the university faculty, Dr. Purvis served as a PreK–5 educator for 28 years in a variety of instructional and leadership roles, including classroom teacher, clinical supervisor, mentor teacher, grade-level chair, PLC facilitator, and leadership team member. Her professional experience includes extensive work in teacher mentorship, curriculum alignment, data-driven instruction, and professional learning. At MGA, Dr. Purvis teaches undergraduate education courses and supervises teacher candidates in clinical and field-based settings, with a strong emphasis on preparing future educators for effective, reflective practice. |
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| Teaching and Research Interests: | Dr. Purvis’s teaching and research interests focus on leadership behaviors that influence teacher retention and the preparation of effective, reflective educators. She is committed to supporting teacher candidates in developing strong pedagogical foundations, effective classroom management, and professional dispositions aligned with state standards and P–12 school needs. Her scholarly interests also include instructional leadership, teacher mentorship, clinical supervision, and evidence-based practices that support continuous improvement in teaching and learning. |
| Education: (All institutions attended and degrees or credentials earned) | Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Educational Leadership, American College of Education, 2024 Dissertation: Teacher Perceptions of Leadership Styles Relating to Retention Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) in Curriculum, Instruction, Management, and Administration, Nova Southeastern University, 2006 Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Educational Leadership (Tier II), Valdosta State University, 2005 Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education, Valdosta State University, 1998 Associate of Applied Science in Elementary Education, Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, 1996 |
| Publications and Scholarships: (Last 5 Years) | Purvis, M. (2024). Teacher perceptions of leadership styles relating to retention (Doctoral dissertation, American College of Education). |
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