We are deeply saddened to share that Melinda Wilson, PhD, professor of physiology, passed away on June 19, 2025. The 好色先生 College of Medicine is grateful for her many contributions to research and education, as well as the legacy of warmth and collegiality she leaves behind.
For more than two decades, Dr. Wilson was a cornerstone of the department of physiology. An expert in neuroendocrinology, she was equally known for her compassion, collaborative spirit, and steady leadership. She consistently exemplified the department鈥檚 mission across research, teaching, and service, earning the respect and admiration of colleagues, students, and trainees alike.
Ok-Kyong Park-Sarge, PhD, associate professor emeritus of physiology, had the rare privilege of knowing Dr. Wilson from the very beginning of her academic journey at 好色先生 in the early 2000s. She recalled meeting her during her interview for a postdoctoral position in the lab of past department chair Phyllis Wise, PhD.
鈥淲hat I admired most about her evolution as a scientist and educator was her proactive approach in everything,鈥 she said. 鈥淲ith that mindset, she was able to seize every opportunity available, building collaborations, expanding her expertise, and always finding ways to contribute more meaningfully.鈥
Her generosity as a mentor was evident in how she welcomed learners at all stages, from high school students to doctoral candidates. Dr. Wilson taught across all levels of education 鈥 undergraduate, graduate, and professional 鈥 and played a vital role in curriculum development within the department. She also served as a course director for second-year medical students and led several classes within the Integrated Biomedical Sciences curriculum.
鈥淪he was gentle, positive, and encouraging with every student she worked with,鈥 said Dr. Park-Sarge. 鈥淭hat positivity carried students through some of their most difficult moments, including those who were struggling to finish their degrees.鈥
鈥淲hat amazed me was that, despite the size and complexity of the programs she led, she stayed so closely connected to the students themselves,鈥 said Brian Jackson, PhD, professor of physiology. 鈥淪he had a calm, supportive presence that made even the most stressful moments, like oral exams, feel more manageable for students.鈥
Appointed vice chair for education in 2021, Dr. Wilson served as an advisor, teacher, administrator, and trusted liaison between faculty and leadership. One of her most enduring legacies was her transformative leadership of the Master of Science in Medical Sciences (MSMS) program. When she became director of graduate studies in 2017, the program was still in its early stages. Through her guidance and commitment to student success, she helped shape it into a thriving pathway for aspiring physicians and scientists.
鈥淪he helped many students through complex decisions, committee work, and long-term planning,鈥 shared Thad Wilson, PhD, professor of physiology. 鈥淭hat kind of mentorship 鈥 helping students think about what comes next 鈥 doesn鈥檛 show up on a CV or list of accolades. But it鈥檚 where Melinda truly shined.鈥
That spirit of collaboration extended to faculty as well. 鈥淚 remember a specific moment when I had to ask her to take over a few lectures without time for preparation,鈥 recalled Dr. Park-Sarge. 鈥淪he didn鈥檛 hesitate. She just said yes. That鈥檚 who she was 鈥 positive, dependable, and always willing to help.鈥
Dr. Wilson's impact on the department of physiology and the broader College of Medicine community was both profound and far-reaching, shaped by her unwavering dedication and deep love for science and teaching. She will be remembered not only for her accomplishments but for the generosity and warmth that defined her.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 19, from 1 鈥 3 p.m., with a time of sharing beginning at 3 p.m., at the Clark Legacy Center on Brannon Road.
In memory of Dr. Wilson鈥檚 countless contributions, the department has established the Melinda Wilson Annual Lecture as a tribute to her legacy as a scholar, educator, and mentor. The lecture will be funded by the 好色先生 College of Medicine Department of Physiology Teaching Endowment Fund. If you would like to contribute to this fund in memory of Dr. Wilson, .