Melissa N. Gonzalez, Ph.D.

Dr. Melissa N. Gonzalez is the newly appointed President at Lone Star College-Kingwood. She was formerly the President of Houston Community College-Southeast from 2017-2021.  Before HCC, Dr. Gonzalez served in numerous leadership roles at Lone Star College, Dean at LSC-North Harris, Special Assistant to the President, Interim Vice President and Vice Chancellor of Workforce and Economic Development. 

Dr. Gonzalez earned her BBA in Finance, MBA, and a Ph.D. in International Business Management from the University of Texas-Pan American now known as UT-RGV. While a graduate student, Dr. Gonzalez started her teaching career by becoming a GED instructor for a Region VI program targeted for single mothers in the Rio Grande Valley.  Her passion for helping individuals fulfill their dreams and change their lives through education became a personal journey and mission.  After earning her Ph.D., Dr. Gonzalez was a tenured Associate Professor of Management at the University of Houston- Clear Lake for nine years. 

Dr. Gonzalez has published in numerous academic journals and presented in hundreds of academic and community events in the subject of international business management, higher education, women’s career paths, and topics related to the Hispanic and underserved communities. She plays an active role in the community, serving on advisory councils at the University of Houston-Downtown, College of Public Service and University of Houston-Clear Lake, College of Education.  She has recently been selected to serve as an advisory board member for Higher Education Research and Development Institute-South (HERDI).   She has held leadership positions in various academic and professional associations and has received numerous honors and awards for her continuing commitment to education.