Jessica Melisse ’25 Named Summer 2025 Outstanding Islander Graduate for the College of Nursing and Health Sciences

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – College life is full of new opportunities — and challenges. From navigating coursework to managing daily responsibilities, it’s a time of growth and discovery. For Jessica Melisse ’25, what began as a typical student experience took a dramatic turn, leading her into a fight far greater than she ever expected.

“During my junior year of college, I received a diagnosis that’s everyone’s worst nightmare — I had stage 3 colon cancer,” Melisse said. “Terrifying is an understatement. I was just 23 years old.”

Melisse, who was raised by her mother after her father passed away when she was a pre-teen, began her academic journey at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi in fall 2021. A Corpus Christi native, she had long been drawn to the health care field — a passion sparked by a pop culture mainstay.

“Believe it or not, my interest in the medical field began with watching Grey’s Anatomy in high school,” Melisse said. “It introduced me to the fast-paced, vast world of medicine and inspired me to explore it further as a potential career path.”

Melisse, who has been named the Summer 2025 Outstanding Islander Graduate for the College of Nursing and Health Sciences, is now set to graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration on Saturday, Aug. 9. Her journey to the graduation stage has been one of perseverance and purpose.

“Despite the overwhelming circumstances, I was determined not to let my diagnosis define me or ruin all the effort I had already put into my education,” she said. “There were many days when life and the fight felt impossible, but I held onto the belief that this was just a chapter in my story — not the ending.”

Melisse transitioned from in-person to remote learning and continued her studies through chemotherapy, radiation, and life-changing surgery. She also continued to work part-time as a shift supervisor and accounts receivable clerk at Jason’s Deli.

“After going through my own health journey, I now have a greater appreciation for health care workers and the world of medicine,” she said. “I am confident that I, too, can impact someone else’s life through my story.”

One of the people who helped Melisse navigate her educational and medical journey was Dr. Jacqueline Hamilton ’09, Assistant Clinical Professor and Health Sciences Program Coordinator. Melisse took several of Hamilton’s classes and said she was more than just an educator; she was a support system, especially during her toughest times.  

“She really amazed me by how maturely she faced her medical situation and at the same time progressed smoothly through her coursework,” Hamilton said. “She has been inspiring to watch, and I know she’ll accomplish what she sets her mind to do. Her determination is unwavering.”

Now in remission, Melisse is looking toward the future with a heart full of gratitude.

“Looking ahead, my goal is to pursue a career as a pharmaceutical sales representative,” Melisse said. “This role will allow me to combine my passion for health care with my strengths in communication, problem-solving, and relationship-building — all while playing a key role in connecting medical professionals with products that can ultimately save lives.”

Though her time at the Island University coincided with some of the most trying times in her life, Melisse is grateful for the lessons learned during her time as an Islander student and for the person she has become.

“Texas A&M-Corpus Christi became more than a place to earn my degree — it’s where I found myself,” Melisse said. “Being an Islander has shaped me into the confident, disciplined, and ambitious person I am today.”