FSU Names Melissa Bolen Director of Employee Assistance Program

Following a national search, Florida State University has appointed Melissa Bolen as director of the Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

Bolen has served the university's Employee Assistance Program since 2013 and brings more than two decades of experience in counseling, employee support, training and leadership. Throughout her tenure at Florida State, she has provided counseling services to faculty and staff, supervised interns, developed workplace training programs and consulted with supervisors on employee well-being and workplace concerns.

As clinical coordinator, Bolen has played an integral role in the growth and success of the EAP, overseeing clinical operations, supporting crisis response efforts and helping employees navigate personal and professional challenges. She also served as interim director of the program in 2022, managing operations, staff support, compliance activities and program reporting.

"Melissa has been a steadfast advocate for the well-being of Florida State employees throughout her career," said Renisha Gibbs, associate vice president for Human Resources and chief of staff for Finance and Administration. "Her extensive clinical expertise, leadership experience and deep understanding of the university community make her especially qualified to lead the Employee Assistance Program."

Bolen's work has included providing brief intervention services, leading critical incident stress debriefings, conducting mediations and guided discussions, and developing training programs focused on communication, conflict management, stress management, burnout prevention and team dynamics. She has also served as a mentor and supervisor for graduate and doctoral-level counseling interns.

In addition to her work at Florida State, Bolen has contributed to the profession through research, presentations and leadership within employee assistance organizations. She currently serves as president of the Employee Assistance Professionals Association's Big Bend Chapter and maintains active involvement in national and regional professional associations.

"It is an honor to step into the role of director of the FSU Employee Assistance Program," Bolen said. "I am excited to lead our outstanding EAP team as we continue providing confidential support to FSU faculty, staff and their family members while helping foster a healthier, more connected university community."

Bolen earned a doctoral degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Florida State University, a master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Northern Illinois University and a bachelor's degree in Psychology from Augustana College. She is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, a Certified Employee Assistance Professional and a qualified Substance Abuse Professional.

Renisha Gibbs, associate vice president for Human Resources and chief of staff for Finance and Administration, chaired the national search. The university also thanks search committee members Dr. Yvonne Langdon-Maduekwe, Dr. Craig Stanley and Lt. David McGehee for their service and valuable contributions throughout the search process.

The Employee Assistance Program provides free, confidential counseling, consultation and referral services to eligible Florida State University employees and their family members.

For more information about the Florida State University Employee Assistance Program, visit www.eap.fsu.edu.