Calhoun Community College is excited to announce the appointment of Melissa Ledbetter as its new Grants Coordinator, effective June 3, 2025.
Ledbetter brings with her a powerful blend of experience in leadership, workforce development, public service, and education. Originally from Johannesburg, South Africa, she became a U.S. citizen in 2000 and has devoted her professional life to empowering others through education and community service. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Criminology from Auburn University and a master’s degree in Strategic Leadership from Austin Peay State University.
Her career spans over a decade in the judicial system, followed by several years in the manufacturing industry as a human resources leader. She also served as an adjunct instructor at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and Northeast Alabama Community College, later joining Northeast Alabama Community College full time in 2020 as a Ready to Work Instructor. She played a pivotal role in rewriting the statewide workforce readiness curriculum, now known as Alabama Career Essentials (ACE), and later served as Adult Education Coordinator and Workforce Coordinator.
Ledbetter’s experience with grants is deeply rooted in her service to others. She began grant writing in 2012 during her historic term as the first woman elected to the Rainsville City Council. Since then, she has successfully written grants for state and educational agencies for over 13 years on a volunteer basis.
As Grants Coordinator, Ledbetter will lead efforts to identify, secure, and manage external funding opportunities that support Calhoun’s educational, workforce, and student support initiatives. She will collaborate with program managers and faculty to align funding with college goals, develop competitive proposals, and cultivate strong relationships with public and private grantmakers. Her role also includes ensuring compliance with grant guidelines, supporting project reporting, and helping tell the story of Calhoun’s impact through content development and reporting.
Ledbetter and her husband, Nick, have twin sons, Tripp and Major. She is eager to contribute to Calhoun’s mission and vision.
