Marshall University Foundation

Melanie Griffis
Director of Development
College of Fine Arts

As the director of development for the College of Fine Arts, Melanie oversees fundraising and works closely with college leadership to develop priority initiatives. In addition, she provides strategic counsel on all program and project development endeavors.

Melanie has a distinguished career in fundraising and executive leadership. Before joining Marshall she served as a consultant with the nation’s oldest and largest fundraising consulting firm. Prior to that she led various nonprofit organizations and independent schools throughout Virginia in development and fundraising efforts, including leading the Virginia Military Sesquicentennial Campaign and serving as Alumnae Director for Southern Seminary.

The Griffis family is proud to have four generations of Marshall University alumni. Melanie’s great grandfather, Floyd Morris, graduated in 1904 when the university was known as the Marshall College Normal School; he was followed by Melanie’s father, Robert Griffis in 1956. Melanie became the third generation grad, receiving a B.A. degree in History, and is now followed by her daughter who is currently completing her coursework in preparation for nursing school.

Melanie is a Huntington native and returned after living in Virginia for 24 years. She is the proud mother of two; Anne, a senior at Sweet Briar College in Virginia and Ellen, a Marshall freshman.

College of Fine Arts