David Melchar has worn a lot of hats at Roger Williams University. He has been a student, alumnus (’76) and faculty member. He is also the father of Dana (’94) and Carl (’01) and the husband of Roberta (’98). And while he has seen the University transformed over the past 38 years, he has remained impressed by the student-centeredness and how supportive the community is.

After retiring from the U.S. Marine Corps in 1986, Professor Melchar stepped down from his teaching position at the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, Calif., and brought his family back to Rhode Island. It was luck and good timing, he says, that landed him a position as a professor of business management at his alma mater.

“Being a teacher means valuing every one of your students unconditionally, regardless of how they may or may not be performing in the classroom,” Professor Melchar says. “The faculty members I had when I was a student at Roger Williams sincerely cared about me, and I strive to be the same way. I truly care about my students’ welfare.”  “My family, without question, has benefitted from Roger Williams – more than I can ever give back.”