Since becoming dean in summer 2024, Melissa “Missy” Terlecki, PhD, has guided the School of Professional and Applied Psychology through a period of significant growth – including the launch of the PCOM Psychological Services Center and Memory Center. Driven by a passion for holistic care and interdisciplinary collaboration, she is shaping the future of behavioral health education at PCOM.
In this Q&A, Terlecki reflects on her first year as dean, outlines her vision for the School of Professional and Applied Psychology, and describes the passions and experiences that shape her leadership.
Meeting and working with the students has been an absolute highlight. I loved speaking at graduation – it was such a meaningful moment. And I've really enjoyed collaborating with our faculty to move new ideas into action. There's such a strong sense of momentum and possibility here.
We're focused on expanding access to mental health services, supporting the continued growth of our successful programs, and reintroducing our brand in a way that reflects our values and strengths. We want to make sure the community understands who we are, what we offer, and how we're making a difference.
“We're creating new pathways for students to explore areas of need and interest, and we're doing that by focusing on hands-on, experiential opportunities.”
Melissa “Missy” Terlecki, PhDDean, School of Professional and Applied Psychology
The osteopathic, integrative nature of what we do here at PCOM is so exciting. There's incredible need and demand for mental health support, and there's also a lot of optimism and energy in the field. It's a time for innovation and forward thinking.
We're creating new pathways for students to explore areas of need and interest, and we're doing that by focusing on hands-on, experiential opportunities – real-world learning that goes beyond the classroom. We want our students to be confident, competent and future-ready.
Absolutely. I’m a strong believer in holistic and integrative healthcare. We're learning more and more every day about how physical and mental health are connected, and we need to reflect that in how we train, treat and collaborate. PCOM is distinctive in how we model those best practices, and I'm proud to be part of that work.
I'm a very collaborative and hands-on leader. I consider myself a servant leader. I try to keep the big picture in mind while staying present and available to the people I work with. Over the past year, as I've gotten to know our faculty, staff and administrators, I've felt even more energized. I think this is a great fit for me, and I'm excited about what's ahead.
It's essential. Collaboration is at the heart of what we do, not just within our own programs but across disciplines. Interprofessional education and holistic health approaches are part of our DNA at PCOM, and they're key to preparing students for real-world practice.
Allow yourself to be coached. Find a mentor. Explore all the possibilities and take risks. Leadership isn't about having all the answers; it's about staying open to learning and growth.
The people I work with. It's a community where I feel valued and supported, and where I have a seat at the table in strategically planning our future. That means a lot to me.
Working out, gardening and crafting! Those are my go-to ways to relax and clear my head.
I used to be a certified personal trainer!
Established in 1899, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) has trained thousands of highly competent, caring physicians, health practitioners and behavioral scientists who practice a “whole person” approach to care—treating people, not just symptoms. PCOM, a private, not-for-profit accredited institution of higher education, operates three campuses (PCOM, PCOM Georgia and PCOM South Georgia) and offers doctoral degrees in clinical psychology, educational psychology, osteopathic medicine, pharmacy, physical therapy, and school psychology. The college also offers graduate degrees in applied behavior analysis, applied positive psychology, biomedical sciences, forensic medicine, medical laboratory science, mental health counseling, physician assistant studies, and school psychology. PCOM students learn the importance of health promotion, research, education and service to the community. Through its community-based Healthcare Centers, PCOM provides care to medically underserved populations. For more information, visit pcom.edu or call 215-871-6100.
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