Melissa K. Fore, Ph.D. - Testimonials
I met Dr. Fore when I participated in the inaugural offering of the MSU Dialogues program for faculty and staff organized by the University's Office of Inclusion and Intercultural Initiatives. I had the great fortune to enroll in the group for which Melissa served as a faculty member on the facilitation team. The program is not easy. It demands more of participants than intellectual commitment; its success depends on emotional engagement as well.
Over the course of a semester the program challenges participants to reconsider assumptions, recognize systemic inequities both in the world and in their own lives, be vulnerable, sit with the discomfort of disconcerting discoveries, and speak openly with others about hurts felt and hurts caused. Facilitating such a program calls on all of the skills of excellent teaching, but a host of others as well. Melissa guided us through literature, and also critical reflections, difficult conversations, and moments of tension and pain. She did so with thoughtfulness, compassion, and integrity. My group came to relate to her as I believe she understood herself - a fellow traveler on a deepening and sometimes harsh path of discovery. Her willingness to give of herself throughout the program earned my respect and gratitude. I am still unpacking all I learned from the program, more than a year after completing it. I would welcome the opportunity to work with Dr. Fore again and would encourage anyone looking for a facilitator in intergroup dialogue to consider her. She is outstanding. Burton Bargerstock Executive Director | Office for Public Engagement and Scholarship Michigan State University I have had the privilege to work alongside Melissa and it has been a wonderful and inspiring experience. She brings a wealth of great ideas, knowledge and perspective to every situation. I have found Melissa to be fair, of sound judgement, committed, inclusive, focused and passionate about important issues affecting our community.
Melissa is a resilient and resourceful leader in our community who always steps up to challenge and advocate for progressive policies that focus on social justice and equity with the input of diverse voices. Her work ethic and the energy she brings to the table is unparalleled. In addition to her educational background Melissa’s work within our schools, as an assistant professor at Michigan State University in the Humanities, Culture and Writing department, and other civic related service reflects her dedication and connection to the community with a finger on the pulse of concerns of our families. Melissa is a proven and prudent leader who knows how to bring people together and bridge divisions, she has a big-picture mindset with the ability to bring a clear vision of progress and with the possession of the infrastructure needed to bring the vision to fruition. Her thoughtful approach to addressing vital issues that impact my family and the community at large and a history of dedicated work that has improved quality of life in our community is why Melissa has earned my continued trust and support. Monica Fink Parent and School Board Member East Lansing Public Schools |
My relationship with Melissa Fore began on a personal level nearly a decade ago and I can confidently say she is the main driving force in my continual quest for racial and social justice, inward and for the world. |