Melanie Kershaw joins the Honors Wednesday Memo as editor

Community engagement

By: Isabella Lebron

Melanie Kershaw headshot
Kershaw poses in Katherine Harper Hall.•Photo submitted.

The Honors Wednesday Memo has a new editor, Melanie Kershaw. In her new role, Kershaw bringing together her backgrounds in writing, communication, and design to keep Honors students connected to opportunities across campus. As editor, Kershaw hopes to make the publication an accessible resource for students navigating opportunities at App State.

“I remember what it was like to be an underclassman, and I know that it can be difficult navigating the plethora of websites that App State uses,” Kershaw said.


The Memo is a great ‘one-stop shop’ for information about what’s
happening on and around campus, as well as opportunities that might be hard to find on your own.

Kershaw joined the Honors College in August of 2023 and plans to graduate May of 2028. She is an industrial design major with a concentration in product design and a minor in communications. She previously studied digital journalism before changing her major, a decision that allowed her to pursue hands-on-design while maintaining her interest in communication.

Although she found her place in industrial design, Kershaw missed writing.

“I’ve learned that a great design is nothing without good communication,” Kershaw said.
“Working as editor keeps those skills fresh. I also just like writing!”

Kershaw’s work in an exhibition entitled “Table Talk: Cultural Conversations,” featured in ICFF (International Contemporary Furniture Fair); located to the left on the wooden board
Kershaw’s work in an exhibition entitled “Table Talk: Cultural Conversations,” featured in ICFF (International Contemporary Furniture Fair); located to the left on the wooden board.•Photo submitted.

Kershaw began working with the Honors College in summer 2026 as a summer office assistant and Honors Wednesday Memo associate. In this position, she trained to work with the Memo writing spotlight stories and assisting with the summer Memo production. She also designed several signs for the Honors College over the summer and sees cohesive visual and written
communication as an important part of building community.

For Kershaw, the Memo also serves a larger purpose within the Honors College by connecting students with events and opportunities they may not otherwise encounter. She hopes to make its content relevant and easy for students to navigate.

 

 

 

 

 

“With our busy schedules, it’s hard to find the time and energy to search for these kinds of
events,” Kershaw said.

“Aside from the content, the Memo is a weekly reminder that the Honors
College offers support in your academic, professional and personal
journeys.”


Outside of academics and her work with the Memo, Kershaw has deep roots in the High Country.
She grew up in Boone on a hobby farm with sheep, miniature donkeys, chickens and Great
Pyrenees dogs.

Melanie Kershaw poses outside of a shed she built.
Kershaw poses outside of a shed she built.•Photo submitted.

As she steps into her new role, Kershaw hopes to combine her interests in writing and design to
make the Honors Wednesday Memo an accessible and engaging resource for the Honors College
community.