connely_melissa

Melissa Connely is the Dean for the School of Science. She has a Master’s degree in geology from Utah State University, a Bachelor’s degree in Geology from the University of Wyoming and an Associate’s Degree in Elementary Education from Casper College.

Melissa has been a geology instructor for 10 years and has worked as a private consultant for more than 15 years. She has published research on Wyoming paleontology in various journals and publications. She received the Rosenthal Outstanding Educator Award in 2006 and has received various grants from the Institute of Museum and Library Services, NASA, National Science Foundation – EBSCoR, and the Geological Society of America.

As Dean for the School of Science, Melissa supervises and directs the Department Chairs, Academic Assistants and other staff within the school. Her main role is to support the faculty with their mission to provide a quality education experience to our students. Departments within the School of Science include; Biology, Earth Science, Mathematics, Statistics, Physics and Engineering, Computer Science, Chemistry, Agriculture, and the Werner Wildlife and Tate Geological Museum.

Melissa has a love for the outdoors, science, and nature. She and her husband Brian is currently building a new home using alternative designs such as straw bale construction and off-the-grid solar power. She enjoys home brewing her own mead and creating bronze cast sculptures. As a geologist, she works and plays in the field consulting or just looking for rocks. Melissa and Brian have three children and one grandchild.