Melissa Knouse

Melissa Knouse serves as an Instructor and Advisor in the Department of Academic Engagement and Exploratory Studies at Shippensburg University, teaching First Year Seminar courses and acting as a Summer Bridge faculty member for undergraduate student support.

Her educational credentials include:

• Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Millersville University
• Master of Science in Counseling and College Student Personnel from Shippensburg University

Her professional focus centers on academic advising methodologies and student development frameworks within higher education, particularly addressing the needs of undecided undergraduate populations through structured exploratory programming and transitional support systems. She implements evidence-based counseling techniques derived from her graduate specialization to facilitate major selection and academic pathway planning.

Her advising practice specifically targets first and second-year students navigating academic exploration, with emphasis on personalized guidance for degree selection and university integration. Departmental operations include coordination of the Summer Bridge program to enhance freshman retention and success metrics.