The Herb Kelleher Entrepreneurship Center team is ready to work with students, faculty, and professionals. We bring you inspirational stories, locate key resources, and offer diverse opportunities for entrepreneurship and innovation. Learn more about the individuals who make up our team below:
Ali Arnold is the Communications Specialist of the Herb Kelleher Entrepreneurship Center. In her role, she manages the Center’s communications strategy, creates promotional content, and executes programmatic campaigns. Ali also oversees the HKEC’s team of student staff members.
Prior to her career in Higher Education Marketing, Ali spent 7 years honing her craft as an artist, during which she received several awards and recognitions for her work, most notably having her work showcased in the Mississippi Museum of Art. In a strategic pivot away from fine arts, Ali received her Bachelor’s Degree in Integrated Marketing Communications from the University of Mississippi.
Ali’s unique blend of creative and analytic thinking is what drives her passion for understanding the consumer perspective and using data-driven insight to develop brands that truly resonate. Before joining the HKEC in 2022, Ali worked with family on a specialty foods startup, overseeing the creative development and web design. In her free time, Ali can be found wandering the aisles of Trader Joe’s, with her nose buried in a book, or taking selfies with her cat, Stella.
Melissa Jackson Burns is Senior Academic Program Coordinator of the Herb Kelleher Entrepreneurship Center. She manages operations and events for the Center.
Melissa has extensive experience in higher education administration and event planning. She started with the McCombs School of Business in the Houston MBA program as Program Assistant. Most recently, she worked as an Administrative Program Coordinator with Texas Executive Education before moving to the Herb Kelleher Entrepreneurship Center.
Melissa earned her PhD in Theatre from the University of Missouri in Columbia. Her background in theatre gives her a unique perspective and approach to administration and operations. Melissa continues to stretch her creativity and enrich her perspective by pursuing an MFA in Writing. In her spare time, she enjoys reading and playing the piano.