Dr. Melanie Howard is Associate Provost and Dean of the College of Arts & Sciences at Simpson University in Redding, California where she oversees all aspects of traditional undergraduate programs. Dr. Howard is a seasoned educator and academic leader with over a decade of experience in private faith-based education. She is also the author of Twelve Biblical Characters: Trials and Triumphs (Paulist Press, 2025) as well as several peer-reviewed and popular-level articles. Prior to taking on her current administrative role, Dr. Howard taught in varying capacities at Fresno Pacific University, Valparaiso University, Messiah University, and Princeton Theological Seminary.