Melissa L. Gilliam facts for kids

Melissa Lynn Gilliam is an American doctor who specializes in helping children and teenagers with their health, especially girls. She made history as the first Black woman to be a provost at Ohio State University. A provost is like a head teacher or chief academic officer for a whole university. Before that, she was a professor at the University of Chicago. In October 2023, it was announced that she would become the new president of Boston University. She officially started this important job on July 1, 2024.

Growing Up and Learning

Melissa Gilliam was born in Washington, D.C.. Her mother, Dorothy Butler Gilliam, was a journalist. Her father, Sam Gilliam, was an abstract painter. Melissa's mother was also the first African-American journalist to work for The Washington Post newspaper.

Melissa went to many great universities. She earned a bachelor's degree in English literature from Yale University. She also got a master's degree in philosophy and politics from the University of Oxford in England. Later, she earned her medical degree from Harvard University. She also has a master's degree in public health from the University of Illinois Chicago.

Her Career Journey

In 2005, Dr. Gilliam joined the team at the University of Chicago. She became a leader in research about family planning. She also led a special program for the health of children, teenagers, and young women at the University of Chicago Medical Center.

What Dr. Gilliam Researches

Dr. Gilliam's research focuses on the health and education of teenagers. She studies this both in the United States and in other countries. She uses different ways to do her research, like telling stories, using technology, and designing new programs. Important groups like The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the National Institutes of Health have given money to support her work.

Leading Universities

Dr. Gilliam has held many important leadership roles at universities. In 2016, she became the Vice Provost for Academic Leadership, Advancement, and Diversity at the University of Chicago. This means she helped lead the university's efforts to support its teachers and make sure everyone had a fair chance.

In 2020, she was given the title of Distinguished Service Professor. This was to recognize her excellent work in helping the university's faculty.

In August 2021, Dr. Gilliam moved to Ohio State University. She became the Executive Vice President and Provost there. This was a very important job, making her the chief academic officer. She was the first woman of color to hold this position at Ohio State University.

In October 2023, it was announced that Dr. Gilliam would become the new President of Boston University. She took over this role in July 2024.

Dr. Gilliam also helps guide important scientific places. She is on the Board of Governors for Argonne National Laboratory. She has also advised groups like the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Her Family Life

Melissa Gilliam is married to William Grobman, who is also a doctor and researcher. They have two children, a son and a daughter.