Today we’d like to introduce you to Melissa Goodson.
Hi Melissa, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’m an Associate Professor of Marketing and Business Management and Director of the Sandbulte Center for Ethical Leadership at The College of St. Scholastica in Duluth, MN. I launched a social media minor there in 2022 with Professor Kelly Mullan. I’ve dabbled in freelance marketing projects and helped launch a local non-profit, Duluth Aging Support. I’m a wife and a mother to two daughters, ages 8 and 10.
Melissa Goodson is an Associate Professor in Business Management and Marketing and the Director of the Sandbulte Center for Ethical Leadership at The College of St. Scholastica. She received a B.S. in Mass Communications, an M.B.A. in Marketing, an MEd in Education (specialization in Culturally Responsive Teaching and Learning from CSS), and a Ph.D. in Organization and Management.
Goodson, a former faculty member in the M.B.A. in Leadership and Change and an M.Ed. adjunct, brings expertise in organizational strategy, digital communications, and leadership ethics. Dr. Goodson is a certified Social Media Strategist through the National Institute for Social Media. Before teaching, she spent over a decade in leadership roles in marketing communications, product management, and strategic planning for media companies, including the Arizona Republic and the Star Tribune and a thriving Twin Cities cooperative, Valley Natural Foods. Melissa’s research interests include brand management, leadership development, and social media practice in organizations.
Goodson serves on the board of the Duluth Children’s Museum. She also has recently been certified as a SCORE business mentor.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
I was a first-generation student. I completed my Ph.D. program while I was pregnant (both times) and completed an MEd during the height of the pandemic. It was not easy, but having a clear goal in mind and the ability to be productive during challenging times was something I won’t take for granted.
One unexpected bonus of being a professor is the amount of national and international travel I get to do to present my projects and research. I’ve visited Cape Cod, Atlanta, Chicago, Michigan, Florida, and Australia. I travel to the U.K. this summer to present at the 2023 Academy of Marketing Science World Marketing Congress.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
This winter, I joined a local women’s ice hockey club, the Duluth Motherpuckers. You can find more info here: https://sites.google.com/view/duluth-motherpuckers/home
How do you define success?
Personally, I love shopping locally, and I adore small businesses. I frequent retailers in the Lincoln Park area in west Duluth, like Free Air Life Co. (https://www.freeairlifeco.com/), Flora North (https://floranorthmn.com/), and D.L.H. Clothing (https://dlhclothing.com/) with my daughters. Ivy Moon (https://shopivymoon.com/) and Moon Market (https://shopmoonmarket.com/) are favorites!
In the summer, I love to hike, camp, and be near Lake Superior with my family. My husband and I get to golf at least once a year which makes me happy.
Hot yoga has become a staple in my mental and physical wellness. I will also try anything to be active in this beautiful city of Duluth including exploring new trails, XC skiing, and paddleboarding on the great lake.
Professionally: I am happiest in my professional life when my students succeed. I have had the opportunity to lead a study abroad trip to Australia, oversee student internships and research projects, and help them find meaningful work. I work very hard to bring local guests into my classroom for presentations or projects.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @dr._melissa_goodson
- Linkedin: Melissa Goodson
- Twitter: @melissaagoodson
