Thrift Library: Profile: Melanie Croft: Home

Academic Background

Education

Doctor of Education: Curriculum and Instruction, Liberty University, 2018
Master of Arts in Education: School Librarianship, Azusa Pacific University, 2007
Master of Arts in Education: Teaching, Learning, and Technology, Point Loma Nazarene University, 2002
Bachelor of Science: Liberal Studies, San Diego Christian College, 1997

Experience

I have worked with all ages and subject areas across a variety of learning environments in public, private, urban, and rural educational systems. I began my career in the K-12 field of education and spent 17 years serving as a state-certified elementary level classroom teacher (grades 3 and 5), secondary level library media specialist, and district administrator of technology, library services, and curriculum. In 2014 I moved to higher education and spent 8.5 serving as a faculty member and program coordinator of two graduate education programs in school library media - the first in California and the second in Georgia. In January 2023 I returned to the library as the director of Anderson University's Thrift Library. You can learn more about my academic background on my Biography page.

About Me

I am originally from California, where I lived in several different parts of the state before moving to the Southeast in 2018. I lived in west Georgia for two years before moving to Anderson in 2020. Reading, singing, hiking, cycling, and kayaking are among my favorite hobbies. I also enjoy traveling, attending concerts and air shows, and exploring the great outdoors with my husband. Fun fact: I met my husband John - an Anderson native - online when I was living in California and we dated long distance for several years before getting married in July 2021. We are currently attending Concord Baptist Church.

On a professional level, I really enjoy engaging with the research process. My research interests include multiple literacies, the instructional leadership role of the school library media specialist, and the expression of the Christian faith through the library.

I am thrilled to be working at AU and serving as the director of Thrift Library. You can learn more about my vision for the library via this AU article: Thrift Library Enters Academic Year with New Director, Enhancements for AU Community.