State Council of Higher Education for Virginia
Melissa Benavidez has extensive experience in education and program management, with a background in anthropology. Melissa has worked in various roles such as College Transition Specialist, Development and Program Manager, Bilingual Financial Aid Adviser, and Manager. Melissa's expertise includes organizing programs for Spanish-speaking communities, managing staff, financial matters, and translating legal documents. Melissa holds a Master of Arts in Latin American and Caribbean Studies from New York University and a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology from William & Mary.
State Council of Higher Education for Virginia
The State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) is the Commonwealth of Virginia’s coordinating agency for higher education. As an entity of the Commonwealth of Virginia government, SCHEV exists to serve the public interest and to assist the state’s system of higher education. Our Mission is to advocate and promote the development of an educationally and economically sound, vigorous, progressive and coordinated system of higher education in Virginia. We fulfill our mission by: • Leading state-level strategic planning and policy development that promotes greater access, quality, affordability and accountability. • Implementing policy and programs based on research and analysis. • Facilitating collaboration among institutions of higher education that enhances quality, advances educational excellence and creates operational efficiencies. • Recommending higher education policies and funding to the Governor and General Assembly that support our mission. • Communicating openly, honestly and effectively to the public.