Dr. Ahmad Sims

Associate Provost for Innovation and Student Success

Melissa Faulkner

Executive Director for Student Success and Career Outcomes

Melissa comes to Queens College from New Jersey City University where she served as director of Career and Professional Development.

She has previously been director of the Center for Career Education at Bloomfield College. At Montclair State University she served as director of the Center of Career Services and director of Cooperative Education and Internships, Center for Career Services. She has also been director of Career Development at Felician University; a career counselor and first year advisor at Monmouth University; and director for Career Planning and Study Abroad at Cedar Crest College. Melissa is also past president of the New Jersey Association of Colleges and Employers and co-founder and past president of the New Jersey Career Center Consortium.

A strategic, equity-driven higher education leader, Melissa has more than 25 years of experience advancing student retention, graduation, and career outcomes through innovative programs that integrate academic learning, experiential education, and employer partnerships. She has a proven track record of leading cross-campus collaborations, managing grant-funded initiatives, and leveraging data to design scalable solutions that serve diverse, first-generation, and underrepresented students.

Melissa holds an MA from the School of Diplomacy and International Relations at Seton Hall University, where she also received a BA in Anthropology. She is on track to receive an MBA in Organizational Leadership and Management from New Jersey City University in December 2027.

Sayashmini Madhow

Administrative Coordinator | Office of the Associate Provost for Innovation and Student Success

Sayashmini Madhow graduated from Queens College, City University of New York in May of 2015, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Biology and Environmental Science with a minor in Business and Liberal Arts. Following her undergraduate studies she joined the Experiential Education Team at Queens College, and served as a Coordinator for several experiential learning programs for two years. Currently, she is the Administrative Coordinator and assistant to the Associate Provost for Innovation and Student Success under the Office of the Provost and Vice President for Academic affairs.

As a proud alumnus of Queens College and the Percy Ellis Sutton SEEK Program, Sayashmini has been incredibly humbled by the opportunity to work for an institution that gave her the chance to attain a college degree. In 2019, she earned a Master of Science in Business Management and Leadership from CUNY School of Professional Studies and intends to continue her academic journey by completing a Ph.D in Global Leadership or Organizational Change and Leadership.

Sayashmini is skilled in administration, project management, student development, college access, civic engagement, community outreach, and team development. She is a team player and has an affinity for creating a harmonious, fun working environment which is productive and efficient. Sayashmini has great appreciation for giving back to the community and enjoys volunteering. She considers herself an advocate for mental health and suicide prevention. She loves experiencing new cultures and spends all of her free time traveling to new countries.