Jessica Thompson, Ph.D.

Project Director

thompson.jessica@mcm.edu

she/her/hers

Dr. Thompson is the Project Director for TRIO Student Support Services here at McMurry. Abilene is her home and she graduated from McMurry but left Abilene and received her M.S in Educational Administration from Texas A&M and Ph.D. in Higher Education from the University of North Texas.

Dr. Thompson has worked in student affairs and with TRIO programs since leaving. She's happy to be back at McMurry to work with the first TRIO program here.

She enjoys getting to know students, so please stop by the Library to visit her and learn more about TRIO Student Support Services.

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Clifton Strengths

Deliberative, Responsibility, Intellection, Developer, & Empathy

Melody Faircloth, M.ED.

Assistant Director

faircloth.melody@mcm.edu

Melody is a Coach in the TRIO Student Support Services here at McMurry. She grew up in the Abilene Area and received her Bachelor of Behavioral Science degree, and Master of Education from Hardin Simmons University.

Some interesting facts about Melody she has Olympic Medals in Speed Stacking, and one of her former students is on the U.S.A. Speed Stacking Team. She also officiates in Volleyball and Basketball.

She is very excited to be here at McMurry and looks forward to meeting the students. So please come by the library to see what TRIO Student Support Services does, and say hi!

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Clifton Strengths

Includer, Input, Learner, Arranger, and Achiever.

Abigale "Abby" Soto

Program Services Coordinator

sotoabigale@mcm.edu

she/her/hers

Abby is the Program Services Coordinator for TRIO, where she plays a key role in student engagement, event planning, and overall program operations.

A native of Abilene, Texas, Abby earned her first degree in Business Management from Angelo State University in December 2023. She is currently pursuing a second bachelor’s degree in Marketing at McMurry and is expected to graduate in December 2025.

In her role, Abby oversees student staff, manages all program communications and social media, organizes workshops and events, and fosters a welcoming, inclusive community for TRIO students. She is passionate about helping students succeed both academically and personally.

Outside of work, Abby enjoys spending time with her friends and her two cats.

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Clifton Strengths

Empathy, Individualization, Adaptability, Developer, & Realtor