The Whitman School of Management at Syracuse University has announced that
Dean Melvin T. Stith has been named as one of the 2009 Distinguished Alumni by
the National Association for Equal Opportunity in Education (NAFEO). Nominated
by his alma mater, Norfolk State University, Stith is recognized for excellence and
altruism in his profession and community and for his continued support for Norfolk
State.
"Mel Stith is a leading voice locally and nationally for equity and inclusion in
business and business education," says SU Chancellor and President Nancy Cantor.
"Whether he's leading efforts to cultivate young entrepreneurs on Syracuse's South
Side or guiding the nationally prominent Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans
network, Mel is a true champion for diversity."
Stith will be honored along with other awardees during the 40th Anniversary
Distinguished Alumni Awards celebration on April 4 in Atlanta. The celebration will
be the highlight of the National Dialogue on Blacks in Higher Education. NAFEO
represents the 120 colleges and universities that comprise Historically Black Colleges
and Universities (HBCUs) and Predominantly Black Institutions (PBIs).
Stith holds an M.B.A. and a Ph.D. from the Whitman School and earned his
bachelor's degree at Norfolk State in 1968. He is the 16th dean of the Whitman School
and was previously the dean and the Jim Moran Professor of Business Administration
in the College of Business at Florida State University in Tallahassee. A native of
Jarratt, Va., Stith is a Vietnam War veteran who served in the United States Army
Military Intelligence Command from 1968-71 and achieved the rank of captain
during his military tenure.
He is married to Patricia Lynch Stith, a 1968 Norfolk State University alumna, who
is currently the assistant provost for equity and inclusion and associate dean of the
Graduate School at SU. They are the parents of three children, Melvin Jr., Lori and
William.
