About Melvyn Harding

Melvyn Harding brings over 25 years of experience working in TRiO/educational opportunity programs prior to his appointment at the University of Memphis. Harding’s leadership philosophy centers upon shared decision-making, developing collaborative partnerships, and transparency in communications among team members. He received both his B.S. in Legal Administration and M.A. in Political Science from Ball State University. A staunch advocate of student development, particularly for first-generation, low-income, and students with disabilities, Harding has dedicated his professional life to promoting access and leveling the educational playing field of opportunity for all students.

Director's Message 

Welcome to TRIO at the University of Memphis!

TRIO SSS, also known as Student Support Services (SSS), is part of an interconnected network of federal TRiO programs which are rooted in advocacy and support for assisting first-generation, low-income, and students with disabilities. Since 1968, federal TRiO programs have instituted processes and mechanisms to increase the retention, persistence, and graduation rates of our most vulnerable populations. "TRiO" programs have grown from the original three programs to eight distinct programs, serving populations in pre-college (Upward Bound and Educational Talent Search) and postsecondary (Student Support Services, McNair Achievement Program) levels.  Since 2005, SSS at UofM has demonstrated best practices in student retention and success. Our staff, most of whom share the same background as our participants, are committed to a common goal of leveling the playing field of educational opportunities. In 2010 we welcomed a STEM variation of SSS. This separately funded initiative provides support and encouragement for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics majors and is intended to mirror strategic outcomes of our original SSS project.

• Participants in TRIO Student Support Services are twice as likely to persist and graduate from college when compared with students from similar backgrounds that do not participate.
• On average SSS participants' term and cumulative GPA exceed overall rates substantially when compared with non-participating students possessing the same demographic.

If you are a first-generation, low-income, and/or student with a disability, I strongly encourage you to join the TRIO family by completing our program application.

We look forward to your participation!

Melvyn Harding

Director, TRIO Programs

University of Memphis