Stith selected as 2009 distinguished alumnus by National Association for Equal Opportunity in Education

Stith selected as 2009 distinguished alumnus by National Association for Equal Opportunity in EducationMarch 24, 2009Amy Schmitzaemehrin@syr.edu

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.