Dr. Deanna Melton-Riddle is a dedicated and accomplished leader in healthcare administration. Currently serving as the program director for ACU Online’s Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration and Master of Healthcare Administration programs, Dr. Melton-Riddle brings extensive experience in healthcare consulting, clinical management and patient administration. Bringing a wealth of industry knowledge and practical insights to both her professional and academic roles, Dr. Melton-Riddle is deeply committed to mentoring students interested in hospital and clinic administration to equip them as future healthcare leaders with the skills and know-how they need to excel. Finding joy in big and small ways, including serving in church ministry alongside her husband, Dr. Melton-Riddle reflects her strong values of service, community engagement and expertise through her passion for education and faith-driven leadership, making her a valuable asset to ACU Online.
Big Hopes and Bigger Dreams
Dr. Melton-Riddle is a proud Chicagoan, through and through. Having experienced life in a big city from a very young age and witnessing the needs around her, she decided to work in a prominent field like healthcare, specifically with patients needing physical and occupational therapy. Graduating with her B.A. in psychology and occupational therapy from Chicago State University in 1999, Dr. Melton-Riddle began working at various clinics and hospitals. Loving the aspects of nursing care and administration, she wondered about returning to school.
“I thoroughly enjoyed working in the healthcare setting, especially the facets of working as an administrative lead,” Dr. Melton-Riddle said. “So, I just prayed and thought to myself, ‘What is the next thing I should do?”
Soon enough, Dr. Melton-Riddle made her decision. Over the course of three years, she obtained not just her Master of Science in Human Services Administration but also her doctorate in Health Administration from Central Michigan University, an accomplishment she never dreamed of achieving. By 2006, Dr. Melton-Riddle was certified and qualified to get started working in healthcare administration. For the next several years, she worked in several clinical settings in roles as well as began her long-awaited career as a healthcare/education consultant. Teaching administrators and clinical practitioners the importance of career development, leadership and management, trainings and research, Dr. Melton-Riddle’s work began to speak for itself. Traveling across her city and beyond, she began advising on curriculum development, online instruction, workshop development and even seminar delivery. Needless to say, her skills and knowledge were highly sought after, which led her to become a contributing faculty member within the College of Health Sciences at Walden University.
“I loved the work I was doing,” she remarked. “It really made me feel like I was doing something worthwhile for my colleagues and the future of healthcare professionals.”
And while she loved her jobs, Dr. Melton-Riddle wanted to find a place where she could expand her knowledge and mentorship capabilities a bit more. Saturating herself in prayer and constant meditation, Dr. Melton-Riddle remembers hearing about ACU Online, a faith-based university looking to enhance its healthcare programs within its College of Leadership and Professional Studies.
“I wanted to find an organization where I could profess my faith openly. Thankfully, ACU Online was just that place for me,” she expressed.
A Wildcat in the Windy City
In 2025, Dr. Melton-Riddle was hired to be the new program director for the online B.S. in Healthcare Administration and Master of Healthcare Administration programs. And while she just started with her various responsibilities and duties, she feels ready and eager to take the plunge. As an expert in the field, Dr. Melton-Riddle knows what it takes to be an effective leader in the ever-evolving healthcare field. From learning skills like managing budgets to understanding how to resolve conflicts in the workplace, she believes this program can make strong, ethical healthcare admins who are dedicated to serving their organization, employees and, most importantly, patients in need.
“Part of my goals as the new program director is to collaborate with my colleagues and leadership as well as encourage students to think critically about research and how it plays a part in the work ahead of them,” Dr. Melton-Riddle said.
Having a heart for ministry, Dr. Melton-Riddle aims to bring her passion for Christian leadership and servitude to the forefront of her program. Whether she’s managing adjunct faculty members, speaking with a student or continuing her vision to minister to others, Dr. Melton-Riddle is proud to be an ACU Wildcat and represent the university’s values, even from afar.
Interested in learning more about what programs our College of Leadership and Professional Studies offers? Visit our website today and see what how ACU Online can provide you with.