Melanie N. Brooks is a native of Ewing, Virginia and earned an A.S. in 1995 from Lincoln Memorial University in Office Administration. She previously worked for her alma mater for ten years as an Administrative Assistant in the President's Office before she and Earl moved to Dover, Delaware, where she earned her B.S. in 1997 in Business Administration and completed nine hours toward an MBA from Wesley College. While in Delaware she worked for a local technology firm supervising the office staff and managing operations.

Upon her move to Tri-State University she coordinates official events hosted by the President, regularly hosts the Board of Trustee wives, serves as a conference colleague for spouses for the Council of Independent Colleges, organized and chairs the Tri-State University Women's Club, member of the Women's Fund of Steuben Community Foundation, serves on the annual Cameron Hospital Ball of Angola Committee, chairs the annual TSU Valentine's Scholarship Gala, member of the United Way Board of Directors where she chairs the Public Relations committee, represents the President at alumni functions and has served on University committees, and supervises and manages the President's official home.

In addition to raising their daughter, Megan, Mrs. Brooks attends numerous University functions, hosts a study break for students each semester during finals week and hosts open houses at the President's home for the community, faculty, staff and students at various times throughout the year.