Faculty Feature - Dr. Melody Buckner

Dr. Melody Buckner

Associate Vice Provost for Digital Learning and Online Initiatives, UCATT
Associate Professor of Practice, Teaching, Learning, and Sociocultural Studies

Dr. Melody Buckner is the Associate Vice Provost of Digital Learning and Online Initiatives for the University Center for Assessment, Teaching, and Technology (UCATT) and an Associate Professor of Practice in the Department of Teaching, Learning, and Sociocultural Studies. In her role with UCATT, Dr. Buckner oversees and works alongside campus constituents, including faculty and staff, in the implementation of online education and digital learning. Having served previously as the Interim Dean of UA South, Dr. Buckner’s scholarly areas of expertise include educational technology, digital and creative literacies, and multicultural education. Dr. Buckner has lived in over 40 different places, including several countries overseas, and she was recently named as a 2025 Fulbright Scholar. 

Who do you draw inspiration from and why?
This is not the most professional answer, but I am inspired by my dog and by the cat I inherited when my son left Arizona for New York City. My Sophie is a Corgi; she has short legs and a long body which can be challenging for any animal. Yet she tackles life with an attitude of "I can do anything". She walks, cuddles, and swims with me. She barks at everything including the wind yet when she looks at me it is like she is looking into my soul. Then there is Miss Kitty. We think this cat is about 15 years old, yet she is ageless. She has an entirely different attitude than Sophie. She wants what she wants, and she wants it now. Meow! Sophie is terrified of her. She has made her mark in our house and hearts. I respect her for her "hangry" ways and self-assured attitude. I draw inspiration from both of them in different ways. Sophie is a big personality in a small package, while Miss Kitty is a demanding soul just surviving the many changes in her life.
 
What are one or two accomplishments of which you are most proud?
On the personal side, I survived raising two boys and a husband. They are all independent and on their own with the exception of my husband who still finds ways to need me. On the professional side, I am proud of my journey throughout my time at the University of Arizona. From my start as an instructional designer, to finishing my PhD, to being part of the original Arizona Online team, to being a dean, to helping create the University Center for Assessment, Teaching, and Technology (UCATT). It has been an incredible journey with bumps and bruises along the way, but I would not change anything.

What advice would you give to your younger self?
Keep on swimming...be presence in each and every moment. Moments are what make a life worth living. Embrace the good, the bad, the wonderful, and the ugly. Breathe...this too shall pass and you will be a better person because of the experience.

What is something you are working on currently that you’re excited about?
I just finished a Fulbright that took me to India where I visited 14 institutions of higher education. It was an eye-opening experience that inspired me to think about how we can make an impact across the world. I would like to explore the COIL (Collaborative Online International Learning) model with a twist, which would involve experiential learning opportunities for both faculty and students. I am working with UA International and would love to collaborate with anyone interested in this kind of exchange.