About Melissa Packwood, Ph.D., M.S.Ed.
Supporting Student Success Through Inclusive Course Design and Executive Function Expertise
Dr. Melissa Packwood is an educator, researcher, and higher-education consultant whose work focuses on improving student success through inclusive course design, executive functioning supports, and practical faculty development strategies. With experience teaching and developing curriculum in psychology, writing, and student success courses, she works at the intersection of learning science, course design, and institutional practices that support student persistence and achievement.
Her areas of expertise include executive functioning in higher education, neurodiverse student success, Universal Design for Learning (UDL), transparent assignment design, and the development of programs that help students navigate complex academic environments. She collaborates with colleges and universities to strengthen course design, faculty development, and student success initiatives that reduce hidden barriers to learning while maintaining academic rigor.
Dr. Packwood is the developer of the Executive Function Course Design Framework, a conceptual model for embedding executive functioning supports and scaffolded skill development into higher-education course design across in-person, hybrid, and online learning environments. Through research, presentations, and consulting, she works with institutions and educators to design learning environments that help a wider range of students thrive.