Connie Mele (’84) is UNC Charlotte’s sixth Distinguished Nursing Alumna; she was selected by the School of Nursing Alumni Chapter. This honor is bestowed upon an individual who has made outstanding contributions to the School of Nursing or who has been recognized for exceptional achievements in the field of nursing.
Mele is past president of the North Carolina Foundation Board for Alcohol and Drug Studies and chair for the Addiction Nursing Certification Board. Under her leadership, the organization began the initial assessment to determine what was needed to accredit nurses who take this examination. She was awarded a $1.5 million grant from SAMHSA (Substance Abuse, Mental Health Services Administration) to implement an integrated treatment program for clients who are suffering from severe and persistent mental illness, as well as substance abuse.
Currently, Mele is the assistant public health director and former director of the Provided Behavioral Health Services of Mecklenburg County, where she has assisted with the development of a SAMHSA grant for jail diversion of veterans who have PTSD (posttraumatic stress disorder) or TBI (traumatic brain injury).
A certified clinical nurse specialist in psychiatric mental health nursing, Mele also is an advanced practice certified addictions nurse. Additionally, she is a licensed clinical addictions specialist, and she is a board certified nurse executive.
As a member of the Class of 1984, Mele was among the first group of graduates from UNC Charlotte’s Master of Science in Nursing program.
“Selection for this distinguished honor remains difficult due to the many wonderful nominees,” said Dee Baldwin, associate dean and director of the School of Nursing. “I am delighted that the School of Nursing Alumni Chapter continues to recognize its alums in this very special way. UNC Charlotte has a strong tradition of producing high quality graduates who make a difference in the lives of others. Connie is one of those exceptional graduates.”