After graduating from Ross’ Medical Assisting program in 2010, Melissa Starkey dedicated eight years to working in the field before returning to Ross as an instructor. Her commitment to education and student success quickly moved her into leadership roles, serving first as Assistant Director of Education and now as Associate Director at the Kentwood campus. With a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Purdue University and a passion for continuous growth, she leads with both compassion and a clear strategic vision. Her story is one of perseverance, mentorship, and passion for the value and impact that education can have.
Tell me a little bit about yourself.
I began my career after graduating from the Ross Medical Assisting program in 2010, gaining eight years of valuable experience in the medical assisting field. My passion for education led me to Ross as an instructor in 2018. I quickly progressed into leadership roles, being promoted to Assistant Director of Education at the Kentwood campus the following year, and then to Associate Director in 2020. I hold a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Purdue University and I’m committed to ongoing professional development, with plans to pursue a Master’s degree in the near future.
What brought you to Ross? What is your role? Was healthcare always your intended path, or did this field find you?
My journey into healthcare began with a deliberate decision to pursue a fulfilling career path. The diverse responsibilities of a medical assistant, particularly the ability to contribute directly to patient well-being and community health, quickly affirmed this as the right choice. After establishing a strong foundation over eight years in the field, I just embraced the opportunity to become an instructor at the institution that shaped my career. This role allows me to actively contribute to developing skilled professionals and perpetuating a positive impact on the healthcare landscape.
How would you describe your time at Ross so far? Do you have any memorable moments?
My time at Ross has been marked by significant professional development and invaluable learning experiences. A particular highlight has been witnessing our students achieve their academic and career aspirations. Contributing to their success and seeing them realize their goals is undoubtedly the most rewarding aspect of my work here at Ross. It’s really just a reminder of how life-changing a good education can be.
Were there any mentors, colleagues, or role models who influenced your journey?
The mentorship I’ve received at Ross has played a pivotal role in shaping my journey. Early in my career, Sharon Smith and Kelly Byrnes had a huge influence on me. They inspired me greatly with their dedication and supportive guidance.
More recently, I’ve been particularly influenced by our Regional Vice President, Jennifer Jackson. Her exceptional leadership has been pivotal in developing my own leadership capabilities, and her deep commitment to team success is truly remarkable. Additionally, the Kentwood campus instructors consistently inspire me. Their selfless dedication to student achievement and the overall success of our campus motivates me to consistently strive for excellence in my own role.
What are some of the most valuable lessons you’ve learned in your career so far?
My time at Ross really showed me how important it is to keep going, even when things get tough. I’ve learned that sticking it out, especially when answers aren’t easy to find can lead to some of the most rewarding results. It’s also taught me that you often have to make sacrifices to achieve something truly meaningful.
I’ve also come to appreciate the immense value of maintaining humility and embracing a continuous learning mindset. This involves critically reflecting on my own mistakes, actively adapting to evolving environments, and consistently learning from the diverse perspectives and experiences of those around me. These combined lessons have been instrumental in shaping my professional resilience and growth.
What advice would you offer to students who want to follow a similar career path?
My advice for anyone that would like to follow the same career path is to stay true to your values. Know the difference that you can make by not only believing in yourself, but believing in others. Keep growing, keep learning, and never be afraid to take risks to better your future.
What accomplishments or milestones are you most proud of?
Among my most significant accomplishments, alongside raising two children as a single parent, is earning my Bachelor’s degree. Balancing the responsibilities of homeownership, single parenthood, managing a campus, and pursuing higher education presented considerable challenges. However, this experience profoundly demonstrated my resilience and I graduated with honors.
What strategies or habits have helped you maintain strong campus performance?
A robust campus performance is fundamentally rooted in a strong campus environment. Our team thrives on mutual respect – for one another and for our students. It has been a priority for me to cultivate an atmosphere where every individual feels heard, seen, and genuinely appreciated. When a positive working and learning environment is established, it naturally fosters greater engagement and a stronger desire for all involved to actively contribute to its success.
How do you stay motivated and keep your team inspired?
I inspire my team by showing genuine appreciation for their hard work and the essential role they play in our success. I recognize the immense impact they have on our students’ success, and it’s essential to me that they consistently feel valued for their contributions. Witnessing their genuine passion for healthcare and unwavering commitment to our students is, in itself, a significant source of inspiration for me. My goal is to reciprocate that dedication by ensuring they feel supported, motivated, and acknowledged for their outstanding work.
How do you build a positive culture and sense of community on campus?
Cultivating a positive campus culture is key to achieving institutional success. It’s crucial to ensure that all faculty and staff understand the indispensable nature of their contributions to the campus’s overall performance. Empowering them by affirming their voice and ensuring they are heard is fundamental. Dedicating time to build genuine relationships and consistently demonstrate appreciation fosters a strong sense of belonging and value. My role is to actively support our team and serve as their advocate when necessary.
What goals do you have for your campus or your professional growth in the next year?
A goal I have for our campus would be to keep growing our population, to retain our students, and to keep cultivating a positive environment where everyone can grow and learn.
What’s one thing you wish more people knew about working in education or healthcare training?
Being an educator can be more about learning than it is teaching.
Share a random fun fact about you!
I love being outside and surrounded by nature. Photography is a passion of mine and my favorite thing to do on a perfect sunny day is to go hiking and take pictures of the scenery.
Melissa’s journey is a powerful reminder of what dedication, resilience, and purposeful leadership can achieve. From balancing single parenthood and higher education to managing a thriving campus, she exemplifies strength and a strong vision. Her approach to leadership is deeply rooted in mutual respect, team empowerment, and a focus on student outcomes. Whether she’s supporting her staff, celebrating student milestones, or planning for the future, she brings compassion and purpose to everything she does. As she grows alongside her campus, her positive impact on the Ross community continues to stand out.