Administration
Melanie Morgan, PhD
Dean
Dr. Morgan joined Oklahoma State University’s Graduate College in 2024 after serving as an Associate Dean in Purdue’s Graduate School. Dr. Morgan is a Professor in the School of Media and Strategic Communications. Dr. Morgan’s research interests and publications focus on the production of complex messages in the contexts of health and aging, science communication, and graduate student mentoring.
Dr. Morgan received her B.S. in Economics from Texas Christian University, an M.A. in Interpersonal and Organizational Communication from the University of Arkansas (LR), and a Ph.D. in Communication and Aging from the University of Kansas.
Rebecca Sheehan, PhD
Associate Dean
Dr. Rebecca Sheehan joined the Graduate College on an interim basis in 2023 and full-time in the fall of 2024. Dr. Sheehan holds the rank of professor in the Department of Geography, where she has been on the faculty since 2006. She has served as graduate coordinator in her department and on Graduate Council since 2012, including as Chair of Subject Matter Group IV and, most recently, as Graduate Council Vice-Chair.
Dr. Sheehan holds a B.S. in Landscape Architecture from Purdue University, an M.A.G in Applied Geography from Texas State University, and a Ph.D. in Geography from Louisiana State University. She is a cultural-historical geographer, and her research interests include critically examining public spaces, exploring identity, inclusion and exclusion, homelessness, and increasingly regenerative memorialization. Dr. Sheehan oversees matriculation and academic affairs for the Graduate College
Jill Joyce, PhD
Associate Dean
Dr. Jill Joyce joined the Graduate College in Fall 2026. Dr. Joyce holds the rank of associate professor in the Department of Nutritional Sciences, where she has been on the faculty since 2018 and served as graduate coordinator for five years.
Dr. Joyce holds a B.S. in Clinical Dietetics and Nutrition from the University of Pittsburgh, a Coordinated M.S. in Dietetics from the University of Pittsburgh, and a Ph.D. in Human Nutrition with an emphasis in Public Health Physical Activity from Kansas State University. She is a Registered Dietitian, and her research interests include dietary quality and tactical nutrition. Dr. Joyce oversees student affairs for the Graduate College.
Carol Powers, PhD
Assistant Dean
Dr. Powers joined the Graduate College in summer 2018. She is responsible for coordinating the 360° Critical Skills for Career Success professional development program and serves as the graduate coordinator for the Interdisciplinary Studies master's program.
Dr. Powers earned a BS in Crop Science and Applied Genetics from Washington State University, an MS in Crop Science from Oregon State University, and a PhD in Applied Plant Sciences from the University of Minnesota.