Innovative Workforce Partnerships
East Carolina University is bridging the gap between academia, industry, and community through high-impact collaborations that equip students with the essential skills and opportunities needed for career success. These partnerships result in the creation of innovative job training, apprenticeship, and career placement programs, all tailored to meet the diverse needs of our students and region.
By aligning educational outcomes with the dynamic demands of industry, these programs not only enhance workforce readiness but also contribute to regional economic growth. ECU’s Innovative Workforce Partnerships is helping to ensure that students have access to sustainable career opportunities, empowering individuals and communities for long-term success.
Key Initiatives:
- Collaborating with academic departments to align curriculum with industry needs
- Designing training programs that provide real-world skills
- Building sustainable partnerships to address local workforce gaps
- Creating career pathways that lead to meaningful employment opportunities
- Driving economic development through accessible workforce solutions
Meet the Director

Director of Innovative Workforce Partnerships
252-328-9520
jacksonme24@ecu.ecu
Melanie is a seasoned professional and educator with extensive experience in workforce development, partnerships, and community engagement. She has led initiatives that connect academic institutions, industry partners, and community stakeholders to create sustainable workforce solutions. Her passion for improving access to education and career opportunities drives her work in fostering economic development. Through innovative programs, she builds collaborations that address workforce gaps and creates pathways for growth and success.
At ECU, Melanie develops and manages key partnerships with industry and educational institutions to drive workforce development initiatives. By collaborating with university departments, she helps shapes job training, apprenticeship, and career placement programs that meet the needs of all students. These efforts contribute to the region’s economic growth by enhancing workforce readiness and aligning educational outcomes with industry demands, ensuring sustainable opportunities for all participants.