Personal Summary

Dr. Melissa Weddell is the Director of the Institute for Tourism & Recreation Research in the Franke College of Forestry and research faculty in the Department of Society and Conservation. She values working with federal, state, and local organizations to develop management plans that educate the public and assist with the responsible development of rural recreation and tourism destinations that benefit users and boost local economic commerce. Through her research, she understands the unique local concerns in developing natural areas, encouraging recreation, and attracting tourism while working collaboratively to provide inclusive recreation that improves the quality of life.

Prior to joining the University of Montana, she spent 13 years at Appalachian State University as a Recreation Management faculty, department chair, program director, co-chair of the council of chairs, and faculty senator. Before her academic career, she held positions in various public and private business and industry settings as a small business consultant, corporate trainer, and human resource manager.

Weddell holds a doctorate in Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management from Clemson University, an MBA from Southern Illinois University, and an undergraduate degree in Small Business Management & Entrepreneurship from Ball State University.

She enjoys mountain biking, paddling, and adventures in the backcountry in her downtime with her husband and furbabies.