Melanie A. Kerber

Melanie Kerber was inducted into the College of Applied Human Sciences Hall of Fame in the fall of 2025. She was previously inducted into the College of Education and Human Services Hall of Fame in 2007.

Kerber earned her bachelor's degree in elementary education from Edinboro University in Pennsylvania in 1974, followed by her master's degree in special education from West Virginia University in 1979 and her doctoral degree in special education from WVU in 1991.

Kerber began her career in 1974 teaching students with severe learning and behavioral challenges in West Virginia and Pennsylvania. She advanced to roles as a diagnostic specialist, educational consultant, and doctoral fellow at the Kennedy Center. In 1982, she joined Allegheny College in Maryland as an assistant professor of early childhood and special education. Her administrative experience began in 1987 as Director of Springwood School in Leesburg, Va., where she created treatment plans for adolescents and established the Children’s Center, an inpatient facility for children. In 1998, she became director of Commonwealth Academy in Falls Church, Va., where she oversaw curriculum development, faculty training, budgeting, and program accreditation—ultimately transforming the school into a recognized college preparatory program.

Her career later expanded internationally through consulting work for schools in the Central African Republic, Jamaica, and Belgium. She returned to Pennsylvania to serve as principal of Sto-Rox High School, where she launched several key initiatives, including the Freshman Academy, Alternative Program for Educational Excellence (APEX), and College Boot Camp. Kerber also secured full funding for a Teacher Empowerment Grant from the Heinz Endowment and developed partnerships to increase STEM opportunities for students.

In 2014, Kerber was appointed superintendent of the Blackhawk School District, bringing more than 30 years of educational leadership experience to the role.