Melissa Vito

Vice Provost for Academic Innovation

The University of Texas at San Antonio

Melissa Vito is a nationally recognized leader in higher education with over 35 years of experience, known for her visionary approach to higher education. As the Vice Provost for Academic Innovation at the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA), Melissa plays a pivotal role in elevating the university’s online education offerings and spearheading its exploration of Generative AI (GenAI) in teaching and learning. Before joining UTSA, Melissa built a distinguished career at the University of Arizona, where she served as both Senior Vice President for Enrollment and Student Affairs and Senior Vice Provost for Academic Initiatives and Student Success. During her tenure, she was instrumental in securing the university’s designation as a Hispanic Serving Institution, a significant achievement that underscored her commitment to creating more equitable and inclusive learning environments. Her leadership also led to the creation of the Student Success District, a groundbreaking space that integrates academic support, wellness services, and learning resources, all designed to enhance student well-being and academic achievement. Melissa briefly retired in 2018, but her passion for educational innovation brought her to UTSA, where she has continued her mission to improve higher education through strategic leadership and collaboration. At UTSA, she has overseen the rapid expansion of UTSA Online, which has been recognized among the top online programs in the United States by U.S. News & World Report. This achievement reflects her dedication to enhancing accessibility to higher education through digital platforms, ensuring students have the opportunity to pursue their academic and career goals. Under her leadership, the Academic Innovation Center (AIC) was established in 2023 as a collaborative hub for faculty, students, and staff. The AIC fosters creativity, collaboration, and experimentation, allowing the UTSA community to explore the transformative power of new technologies like GenAI. Through her initiatives, UTSA has become a leader in developing practical and ethical approaches to using AI in the classroom, preparing students for the technological challenges and opportunities of the future. In November 2024, UTSA Academic Innovation was recognized with the Star Award by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board for its excellence in digital learning and ability to create transformative pathways for students pursuing postsecondary education. Melissa was also named Online Learning Consortium fellow in December 2024 for her significant experience, extraordinary contributions, and distinguished service in online learning that embodies the values of innovation and collaboration. She and her colleagues from UTSA Student Success and Institutional Research and Analysis were honored with the 2024 Eduventures Innovation Award. The award recognized the university’s unique approach to integrating data-informed strategies for student success and faculty development. She has also been named a NASPA Pillar of the Profession, one of the most prestigious honors in student affairs, acknowledging her long-standing commitment to improving the student experience and advancing the field of higher education. Her academic credentials include a bachelor’s degree in Journalism and English and a master’s degree in Higher Education and Counseling, both from the University of Arizona, as well as a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Northern Arizona University. Melissa is also an accomplished speaker and writer, frequently contributing to discussions on educational leadership, digital learning, and student success.