Melissa Dix, right, accepts the Faculty of the Year award from Dr. Tracy Pierner, President of Blackhawk.

Melissa Dix, Lead Web Software Developer Instructor, has been named Faculty of the Year at Blackhawk Technical College.

Since 2019, Melissa Dix has led the Web Software Developer program at Blackhawk Technical College, bringing curiosity and collaboration to the classroom. She helps students become strong programmers who can also communicate their ideas clearly. 

“Many people can write code,” she said. “But true impact comes from being able to communicate the ‘why’ behind the work.”

Melissa earned her Bachelor of Science in Liberal Studies from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater in 2021, completing a degree she began in 1993. Before joining Blackhawk, she worked in programming, marketing, and digital media roles at Beloit College. 

Melissa is passionate about making technology more inclusive and helping students build confidence. 

“I love helping people overcome intimidation of technology and become masters of technology,” Melissa said. “I’m amazed by the power of technology to impact life in a positive way when it’s combined with creativity and good intention.“

Originally from Rockford, Illinois, she lives in Beloit with her husband and four children, Madigan, Teagan, Kailyn and Colin.