Rick Melson, Ph.D.

Visionary
DISC Type : Ds

President & Professor of Leadership at Southwest Baptist University

Bolivar, Missouri, United States

Overview

Rick Melson is the 26th President of Southwest Baptist University, bringing over 30 years of leadership in Christian higher education. With a PhD in Leadership from Dallas Baptist University and executive education from Harvard, he is described by others as a visionary, gracious, and strategic leader passionate about equipping the next generation.

Outside of his presidential duties, Rick is a family man, married to Christy with two adult children, Tanner and Chloe. He is also an avid runner, balancing his professional commitments with personal fitness and family life. His work and life are deeply rooted in his Christian faith.

He led a historic fundraising campaign at Cedarville University that raised over $205 million.

Personality Overview

Big Vision Person

Risk Tolerant

Objective Evaluator

They might take some time to make their mind up but once they do, they don't change it easily.  Reading between the lines and seeing beyond your words comes naturally to them. They exhibit a rare combination of being result-oriented but patient at the same time.

Topics They Care About

Christian Higher Education
His entire career, including his current presidency and previous roles at Cedarville and Houghton, has been dedicated to advancing Christ-centered universities.
University Advancement
He has a distinguished career in university fundraising, notably leading a campaign at Cedarville University that successfully raised over $205 million.
Servant Leadership
His stated leadership philosophy is centered on equipping servant leaders to impact the world, a principle he champions at Southwest Baptist University.

Media Appearances

Rick has no verified media appearances

Work History

President & Professor of Leadership at Southwest Baptist University
Vice President for Advancement & Associate Professor of Business Administration at Cedarville University
Executive Committee & Chair of the Advancement Committee, Board of Trustees at Crown College
Vice President for Advancement and External Relations, Faculty Member at Houghton University
President and CEO at Houghton University

Education

Institute for Educational Management (IEM) from Harvard Graduate School of Education
2007 - 2014
PhD from Dallas Baptist University

More Information

Social Presence :

Prographics :

Exp : N/A Location : Bolivar, Missouri, United States Job Level : Senior Designation : President & Professor of Leadership at Southwest Baptist University
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Insights For Selling To Rick

During A Call Or A Meeting

DO's

  • Let them know of potential risks but suggest mitigation methods alongside
  • Suggest clear next steps with confidence, don't be vague or hesitant
  • Ask them at the end if they see a strong value prop in your product; expect an honest answer

DONT's

  • Don't go over them unless you are left with no other option
  • Don't take their patience for granted, avoid long-winding sermons
  • Avoid putting conscious effort into relationship-building

When Cold Calling

When Writing An Email

While Negotiating & Closing

    The secret to closing fast with Rick is

  • Strong proof of impact and their conviction will matter the most, but they wouldn't want to act unilaterally either
  • Will you ever get a clear answer from Rick

  • They will say no if they are not convinced but you will have to prompt them.

Insights For Deal Planning

    How fast (or slow) will Rick move?

  • They will want to understand things well but can move fast once they have a clear picture.
  • Can Rick take some risk or not?

  • They have good risk tolerance but are likely to think it through once or twice.

You And Rick

Personality Compatibility


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