Melissa Cheese became the Assistant Director of Act 101/EOP in the summer of 2006. Like the director, she also serves as an advisor and mentor. She coordinates and supervises programs and services for academic advisement, financial aid, and works in conjunction with student life to support programs and services for students. She is always available to assist students in various capacities. 

Ms. Cheese received a Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science and a Masters of Science in Educational Administration from the State University of New York at Albany. She is currently pursuing her Doctor of Education degree in Literacy Studies at Hofstra University. Her research interests include developmental education programs and student retention. 

She presently serves as a Co-Chair of the Female Retention Committee, member of the Commission on the Status of Women, the Health Advisory Board and the Black Caucus, a mentor of the Act 101/EOP Mentoring Program, and a member of the Act 101/EOP Advisory Board.