Ms. Melanie Harrison has been a resident of Rocky Mount, NC, for 20 years. She is a graduate of East Carolina University, where she earned a degree in Elementary Education with a concentration in Reading (K-12). Additionally, she holds an MBA in Educational Leadership from Gardner-Webb University.  Ms. Harrison began her career in education in 2008 as an elementary school teacher. Over the years, she has assumed numerous school-based leadership roles, demonstrating her
commitment to fostering student success and school  improvement. In 2014, she transitioned into school administration, serving as an assistant principal for eight years before stepping into the role of principal. Currently, Ms. Harrison serves as the principal of KIPP Halifax College Preparatory School.

Looking ahead, she will play a pivotal role in supporting the unification of KIPP Halifax and KIPP
Gaston schools for the 2025-2026 school year. Ms. Harrison envisions KIPP North Carolina Public Schools—and all schools across the state—as vital cornerstones of their communities. Her mission is to cultivate environments where school and community stakeholders are united in their commitment to empowering scholars to thrive academically, achieve their college or career goals, and make a positive impact on their communities.