Dr. Robbie K. Melton, selected as one of the 2024 Top 50 Women Leaders in Education, serves as Interim Provost/Vice President for Tennessee State University Academic Affairs and Vice President of Technology Innovations for the SMART Global Technology Innovation Center, and tenured professor at Tennessee State University. She serves as a global researcher and international consultant for SMART Artificial Intelligence (AI) an Academic eSports for Education and Emerging IOE (“The Internet of Everything”) Smart Mobile Technology of mobile devices, smart phone-tablets, wearables, smart gadgets and tools, and mixed reality of VR and AR.
Her tributes include: The 2023 Top 50 Women Leaders in Education, 2019 USDLA Hall of Fame, 2018, Distinguished Women of Legend, 2017 OLC Leadership, 2016, WCET Life Time Achievement, 2014 Top 30 Technologists, 2013 Apple Distinguished Educator, 2012 Top Fifty Technology Innovator; and 2012 WOW EdTechnology Awards. She was a featured speaker at the International UNESCO Mobile Learning Symposium. She is known as an ‘Apologist, for her extensive research of best practices with mobile devices (smart phone, tablets, wearable, and the creation of a Mobile App Resource Center. Currently advocating for Open Education Resources (OER) for global access to education content. Plus, serving as an Education Technology Trainers for Malawi and various countries in South Africa in promoting worldwide that “Everyone Can Code and Create” and “Academic eSports – Mixed Reality Gamification” for the new innovations of SMART Immersive Teaching and Learning and a passionate advocate for empowering underserved populations, especially Black females, in becoming innovators and entrepreneurs for the digital world.
Recently, in an exclusive interview with Higher Education Digest, Dr. Melton shared her professional trajectory, insights on gender equality and inclusion in higher education, her favorite non-academic book, biggest stress reliver, future plans, words of wisdom, and much more. The following excerpts are taken from the interview.
Hi Dr. Melton. What are some of the most significant changes or trends you’ve observed in higher education during your career, and how have you adapted your leadership approach to address these shifts?
When I first entered higher education, the internet was in its infancy. Most communication was done in-person or through paper memos and reports. Now, the landscape has been utterly transformed by technology. Teaching, learning, research and collaboration all now have strong digital components. Students expect to engage with course content and their professors online. As an educator, I had to quickly learn new technologies to remain effective in this new environment. I worked diligently to understand learning management systems, videoconferencing, collaborative documents and more. I also trained my faculty and staff on these tools so we could fully benefit from the opportunities of the digital age.
The rise of artificial intelligence is perhaps the most dramatic change I’ve witnessed. When I started in this field, AI seemed like science fiction. Now, our work leverages machine learning in numerous ways. From adaptive learning platforms to automated essay scoring and text mining research – AI is woven into the fabric of higher education. Leading during this shift required an openness to new ideas from younger colleagues. It also meant dedicated professional development so I could guide strategic decisions about emerging technologies. My goal was to harness AI in an ethical, student-centric manner focused on augmentation rather than replacement of human effort.
Access to education is also being transformed before our eyes. Online and remote learning options have made degrees possible for so many more people. My leadership approach evolved to strongly support digital initiatives aimed at inclusivity. This includes championing open educational resources to lower costs, developing new scholarships for underserved groups and advocating for connectivity infrastructure in rural communities. If technology is increasing opportunity, we must find ways for all qualified individuals to benefit regardless of their background or location.
The pace of change shows no signs of slowing. As an educator and administrator, I have learned that adaptability, mentorship and ensuring equitable access are key to navigating these shifts. My leadership philosophy now emphasizes preparing students and colleagues alike to be lifelong learners equipped to solve problems through collaboration with emerging technologies. If we maintain a student-first mindset and embrace innovation, I’m confident higher education can rise to meet the demands of tomorrow through the opportunities offered today.
What do you love the most about your current role?
What I love most about my current role is being able to empower underrepresented groups through technology. For far too long, many have been left out of opportunities in the digital world simply due to factors beyond their control. However, through my work training educators in Africa and globally promoting open education, I am helping to address issues of inequality. Watching the confidence and skills of students bloom as they learn they too can code, create apps, and pioneer new innovations is incredibly rewarding. Knowing that I am helping open doors for those who may not otherwise have access gives me immense satisfaction. The smile of a young girl from Malawi after her first experience with virtual reality or the enthusiasm of students in the United States newly discovering their talent for game design makes all the hard work worthwhile.
In addition, I am passionate about showing underserved populations, especially black women, that they have a place in the emerging technologies that are shaping our future. It brings me great joy to serve as a role model and mentor. If I can use my platform and expertise to inspire even one more person to pursue a career in STEM they may have otherwise felt was closed to them, then I feel I am making a true difference. Promoting diversity and inclusion in the tech industry and postsecondary education is critically important, and in my role I am blessed with the opportunity to be a change agent for empowerment. Showcasing the value technology brings to addressing inequalities what drives me daily in my work.
What role do you see technology playing in enhancing teaching, learning, and research in higher education, and how have you encouraged innovation in these areas?
I believe technology will become increasingly intertwined with teaching, learning, and research at all levels of higher education. Through innovations like adaptive learning, online and blended models, and the use of analytics, technology allows customization of the educational experience to better meet each student’s needs. It has the power to make high-quality education more accessible and affordable. In my role, I have worked closely with faculty to pilot new technologies, whether experimenting with virtual and augmented reality in the classroom or mining data to improve retention. I have also provided funding opportunities and professional development to encourage innovative uses of emerging tools that enhance the learning process and scholastic outcomes.
In the area of research, technology multiplies the possibilities through tools like artificial intelligence, high-performance computing, and massive online collaborative environments. It enables new multidisciplinary approaches to problem-solving. At my institution and beyond, I have advocated for expanding digital research infrastructure and supporting projects that push boundaries. Under my leadership, we have developed faculty innovation grants and an annual conference to highlight promising work and spread best practices in technology-enhanced research. With an emphasis on technology transfer, these efforts also benefit economic development and workforce training. If higher education fully embraces the strategic potential of technology, I am confident it can transform society for the better.
What are your thoughts on gender equality and inclusion? Do you think there is a gender bias in your industry?
Gender equality and inclusion are extremely important issues that I am passionate about advancing. Even today, women still face implicit bias and lack of opportunity in many STEM and technology-centric industries. This is why I work diligently to promote women, and especially women of color, into leadership positions through mentorship programs, targeted professional development, and highlighting female role models. In my own career path, I have certainly faced doubts and skepticism about my abilities due simply to my gender. More work is undoubtedly needed to remove lingering stereotypes and open up access to top roles for all qualified individuals regardless of gender.
There is no doubt that a gender bias exists in technology and higher education administration. The numbers do not lie – men still hold the vast majority of C-suite and executive team positions. However, I am proud to play a role in helping to change that narrative. Through speaking engagements, advocacy, and outreach focused on inclusion, I aim to create a more equitable industry for the future generations of women leaders. Diverse perspectives enhance problem-solving and decision making, so tapping into the talent of all people will only strengthen the work we do. Eliminating discrimination of any kind starts at the top, so I strive to model inclusive leadership each day in my interactions and policies.
Is there a particular person you are grateful for who helped get you to where you are?
The two people I am most grateful for who helped me get to where I am today are my mother and father (Bronson and Lois Gentry). Growing up in a poor, urban neighborhood in Detroit as a young black girl, many doubted I would amount to much. But my parents always saw my potential and difference as a gift rather than a deficit. When others tried to push me into a stereotypical role, they fought to provide me opportunities to learn and encouraged me to dream big. My mother worked endless hours to support my intellectual curiosity and thirst for knowledge, while my father was a tireless community volunteer who fought to open shut color barrier doors and who now has a city park named after him in Detroit Michigan, “Maheras-Gentry Park”. Thanks to their belief in me, I was the first in my family to attend college. They inspired me to lift others up through education in their memory.
My parents’ courage to go against societal expectations and back my ambitions still pushes me today. Because of their sacrifices, I know I have a responsibility to blaze trails that make it easier for those coming behind me. Throughout my career they were my biggest cheerleaders, even in moments of self-doubt. Their unconditional love and support sustained me through difficulties. Now as a college administrator, I strive to provide the same type of empowering environment and role models for children and grandchildren, as well as students from all backgrounds but especially young women of color, to honor what my parents did for me. Their influence is why I dedicate my life’s work to overcoming barriers.
The meaning of leadership can change from one era to another, how would you define the meaning of leadership today?
The meaning of leadership has significantly evolved from when I first entered this profession. Today, leadership is no longer just about hierarchical power or directives from the top down. It involves collaboration, diversity of thought, and empowering those around you to achieve more as a team. A modern leader recognizes that value comes from cultivating the potential in all people, not just a single visionary at the top. They foster environments where every member can contribute uniquely and challenge prior assumptions. My definition of leadership is someone who brings out the best in others through active listening, trust, and advocacy. It requires understanding different lived experiences and using your position to lift up marginalized voices.
Above all, today’s leaders must address complexity with nuance rather than simplification. The challenges we face cut across traditional boundaries and involve interconnecting social, economic, technological and environmental factors. Leaders no longer have the luxury of working or thinking in silos. My leadership philosophy acknowledges this complexity and embraces an all-hands-on-deck mentality where diverse perspectives and expertise come together to meaningfully tackle obstacles. It involves accessibility, empathy, and a dedication to leaving structures better than you found them through empowering future generations of leaders from all communities. Only by embodying these evolving principles can one truly move an organization or society in a positive direction.
What is your favorite non-academic book and why?
One of my favorite non-academic books that I find myself returning to often is the King James Bible according to Jesus Christ. I appreciate the living good news and applied lessons it provides for living a purposeful life dedicated to serving others. The teachings on treating all people with dignity, compassion, and righteousness really resonate with me. It fills me with hope to consider the beauty that prayer, faith and community can bring to one’s journey in this world.
What is your biggest stress reliever?
As someone in a high-pressure leadership position, I find that prayer is my biggest stress reliever. Taking time each day, even if just for a few minutes, to slow down, focus inwardly, and speak with my Creator helps to provide me with much needed calm and perspective. Whether I’m praying for guidance on important decisions or simply offering gratitude, leaving things in God’s hands allows me to leave my worries behind. Prayer renews my spirit and gives me the strength to tackle each new challenge that comes my way.
Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?
In the next five years, I envision myself continuing in my role as a senior administrator and educator while taking my passion for empowering underrepresented women in technology to an even larger global scale. I plan to devote more of my time and expertise to cultivating international partnerships and programs aimed at inspiring young women from all backgrounds to pursue careers in STEM fields through mentorship, training opportunities, and showcase events. My goal is to help establish regional technology and innovation hubs that foster the education and leadership of women in the USA with an extended focus on serving communities in Africa, India, and Latin America.
Do you have any advice for women working in the higher education landscape?
For women entering the field of higher education, my advice would be to find mentors who can help guide your career progression. Seek out other successful women leaders in your institution or network who have paved the way and learn from their experiences. Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone and advocate for opportunities to advance your skills and take on expanded roles over time. While the path may not always be clear, paying it forward by mentoring the next generation of female leaders is also impactful.
It is also important to remember your value and not let imposter syndrome hold you back. Many extremely capable women underestimate themselves, so have confidence that you deserve a seat at the table. Do not shy away from owning your accomplishments and allowing your work to shine. At the same time, cultivate relationships with allies of all backgrounds for broad support. Finding balance between your career and personal life is also key to longevity in this challenging industry. Remember that small acts of self-care make you better able to meet the daily demands, so make time for replenishing activities. With grit and perseverance, the sky is the limit for positive change any woman can impact.