Lisa Jerald, Director of Student Advocacy
Lisa Jerald began her career at the University of South Carolina in 1995 as the administrative assistant to the university architect.
In 2008, she joined the Division of Student Affairs and Academic Support as the student ombudsman for undergraduate students and the executive assistant to the vice president. In 2021, Lisa became the director of undergraduate student ombuds services, which underwent a name change in 2023 to the Office of Student Advocacy.
She has been the recipient of two division awards for exemplary services, the Supervisor of the Year award based on nominations from student employees and, most recently, the Carolinian Creed Champion Award. In 2022, she was recognized for 30 years of service to the state of South Carolina.
Lisa earned her bachelor’s degree in sociology from the University of South Carolina. She is the parent of two daughters, Sarah, who earned a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from the College of Charleston, and Katie, who earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration and an MBA from the University of South Carolina.
Because the university is so big, it’s important that students know when they have a problem that there’s somewhere they can go to figure out their next steps. We are that place.
Melody Boland, Associate Director of Student Advocacy
Melody Boland began her career in higher education as an administrative assistant for the master’s in creative writing program at Converse College in 2008.
In 2013, Melody served as the housing assignment coordinator and office manager for the Office of Housing and Residential Life at the University of South Carolina Upstate. She joined the Division of Student Affairs and Academic Support at the University of South Carolina Columbia in 2014 as the administrative coordinator for the vice president and senior associate vice president. In 2022, Melody became the Associate Ombuds for Undergraduate Students, which underwent a name change in 2023 to the Office of Student Advocacy. Since joining the division, she has been the recipient of the Two Thumbs Up Award for providing exemplary service to students who are registered with the Student Disability Resource Center based on nominations from students and staff.
Melody earned her master’s degree in leadership from The Citadel and her bachelor’s in advertising from the University of South Carolina, and she is a certified Global Career Development Facilitator. She is the parent of three daughters, Parker, who earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of South Carolina, and Reagan and Brayden, who are future Gamecocks.
I help students learn how to navigate difficult situations and conversations to build their confidence in advocating for themselves. The best part of my job is watching students find their voice and use it to reach their full potential.
