Name: Melissa Lyon
Hometown: Grey Eagle, MN
Degrees: B.A., Sociology with a minor in Women's Studies; M.A., Sociology

Recent FSU graduate, Melissa Lyon admits she is a little on the shy side. Yet in a life-changing moment, she stepped outside of herself when she took a huge leap of faith and relocated to unknown territory. Reared on a dairy farm in Grey Eagle, Minnesota, Melissa moved to Fayetteville after a visit with her cousin.

She remembers, “I packed everything in my car and drove across country by myself. It was the first time I left outside of Minnesota other than to go through neighboring states.  It was an experience within itself.”

That was five years ago, and Melissa has not bothered to look back.  She says, “I liked the area because of the variety of people.  I grew up in a small farm town, so Fayetteville is huge to me.”

Melissa had already received a bachelor’s degree in sociology with a minor in statistics and women’s studies from St. Cloud State University, but she decided to continue her education and pursue graduate studies in the same field.  She was admitted into Fayetteville State University and recalls, “Everything just fell into place, and I am glad it did because the sociology department is awesome.  I could not have asked for a better department with better support.”

She says that extra support was certainly needed when she selected a subject for her thesis that she feared would be perceived as out of the ordinary. She says her thesis topic, “A Sociological Analysis of Exotic Dancers” required some careful research considering there was not a lot of information available. Working 27 hours a week, she learned to master time management and says she stayed encouraged by keeping in mind her desired destination. In the final, Melissa made it happen and not only graduated this past spring semester, but she also received the honor of Outstanding Graduate Student in her department.

“That was a big surprise,” she says. “I got a call and I was asked, ‘Are you going to the awards ceremony?’  I had already planned on going just to support the department, but when I got there I discovered my name was on the program.”

Inducted as a member of Alpha Kappa Delta International Sociology Honor Society in 2007, Melissa is delighted about all of her successes and experiences at FSU. She is excited about the opportunity to have worked in the Research Center for Health Disparities as well as her travels to major cities.

She gratefully acknowledges, “I got the financial support from faculty to travel to conferences in Philadelphia, Atlanta, and New Orleans. If it had not been for their help, I would not have been able to afford to go.”

One of four siblings, she says her parents share in her delight as well, “My parents came down for graduation, and they were really impressed with the campus. They couldn’t believe how beautiful it was.  They are very proud of me, and they have been very supportive.”

Whether she chooses a career in research or teaching, Melissa is fully aware that a doctorate in sociology must follow her master’s degree in order for her to achieve her professional goals.  She considers herself too introverted to teach, but perhaps she simply has not tapped into her inner-bravery. After all, traveling solo across country is not for the timid and weak.  With that amount of strong will and ambition, she’ll be just fine.