About

Dr. Melissa Wrenn has been an educator for over two decades, and she has always prioritized supporting teachers and students in rural settings. She began her teaching career as a lateral entry teacher with an emergency permit in a Title I school in Franklin County, NC. Dr. Wrenn earned her teaching license through alternative methods. She continued to seek advanced licensure and degrees, and she currently holds active licenses in North Carolina for K-6 and Curriculum Instructional Specialist, as well as National Boards for literacy. Her doctorate is in Curriculum and Instruction with a focus on Literacy Education from North Carolina State University.  

Dr. Wrenn believes in the power of higher education and public schools. She has dedicated her career in education to supporting teachers and students. As the Joseph B. Oxendine Distinguished Scholar of Teacher Education, Dr. Wrenn aims to continue the great work already in place at UNC Pembroke and to elevate the recognition of its literacy efforts across the state and nation. Dr. Wrenn’s research has primarily focused on the role of language in classroom discourse. Her literacy research is often grounded in disciplinary literacy, teacher education, and more recently, the Science of Reading. She is currently serving on the Advocacy and Policy Committee of the North Carolina Association of Colleges for Teacher Education.   

Dr. Wrenn’s early years were spent in rural North Carolina, surrounded by extended family, red dirt, and cows. Then, her family transitioned to life in the United States Air Force. Both rural life and military life were transformative experiences and fostered a world view that values hard work, integrity, and diverse perspectives. She currently lives in Franklin County, NC with her family. Dr. Wrenn’s hobbies include cooking, reading, and personal finance. She is an avid fan of concerts and great coffee.