Janet Fink Retires as Associate Dean for Undergraduate Programs; Nicole Melton Is Appointed Successor

Janet Fink, PhD, Isenberg’s associate dean for undergraduate programs, retired August 31, 2025, after five years in the role and more than a decade of leadership, scholarship, and service at UMass Amherst. Isenberg Dean Anne P. Massey, PhD, appointed Nicole Melton, PhD, professor of sport management, to the role.

Fink, who joined Isenberg in 2012, is an internationally recognized sport management scholar with more than 10,000 publication citations. She was named Berthiaume Endowed Professor in 2015 and served as chair of the McCormack Department of Sport Management. In 2020, Fink was appointed associate dean for undergraduate programs.

As associate dean, Fink oversaw advising, career preparation, scholarship, and student success initiatives. During her tenure, she guided Isenberg through the COVID-19 pandemic’s challenges and the transition back to on-campus operations. She also became a trusted and familiar presence to students, frequently communicating updates and opportunities for career preparation and scholarships.

“Under Janet’s leadership, Isenberg has seen significant growth in student enrollment, staff, and programming,” said Dean Massey, Thomas O’Brien Endowed Chair. Known for a collaborative style, she is widely respected not only within Isenberg, but also across the UMass Amherst campus. She has been a key member of my leadership team, and I thank her for all her efforts, including the support she has provided to me.”

Nicole Melton Appointed Associate Dean

On Sept. 1, 2025, Melton began her tenure as associate dean. Melton earned her PhD from Texas A&M in 2012 and joined Isenberg in 2015 as an assistant professor of sport management, ultimately reaching full professor in 2024. She has been recognized for her research and teaching, including receiving Carnegie Initiative grants and the 2023 Isenberg Outstanding Teacher Award, among other honors and awards. Additionally, Melton was named chair of the McCormack Department of Sport Management in 2023. In that role, she furthered McCormack’s national and international reputation, working closely with its faculty and staff, as well as other Isenberg departments.

“Nicole ‘fires on all cylinders’ with significant research, teaching, and service contributions over her career,” said Dean Massey. “She is highly respected by faculty, staff, and students across Isenberg. I look forward to working with her in her new role.”

Melton said she is grateful for the opportunity to following Fink’s footsteps.

“Janet’s leadership, especially during such a pivotal time for Isenberg, has left a lasting mark,” said Melton. “She has always put students first, ensuring they were informed, supported, and empowered to thrive. I am honored to continue building on her work and to serve our undergraduate community and thank Dean Massey for this opportunity. I look forward to supporting students’ academic journeys and helping them succeed both inside the classroom and in their chosen industry.”