Faculty Spotlight: Leading with Heart and Science—
Meet Dr. Melissa Noya

For Dr. Melissa Noya, psychology isn’t just a field of study; it’s a tool for systemic change. As the Dean of the School of Behavioral Sciences, Dr. Noya brings over 15 years of academic leadership and clinical expertise to the forefront of higher education. From her early days conducting psychological evaluations to her current role overseeing undergraduate and graduate programs, her journey is defined by a singular mission: bridging the gap between rigorous evidence-based research and compassionate clinical practice.

The Visionary: Redefining the Psy.D. Landscape

Dr. Noya’s perspective on behavioral health is shaped by a career spent at the intersection of advocacy and academia. Having served as the Chair of the APAGS Advocacy Coordinating Team and the Florida Psychological Association of Graduate Students (FPAGS), she understands that a doctoral degree is more than a credential—it’s a platform for leadership.

"One of the biggest myths in our field is that a Psy.D. is only for the therapy room," Dr. Noya often shares. "In reality, it is a launchpad for innovation. We are training the next generation of leaders who will not only treat individuals but will transform the systems that govern mental health care."

Under her guidance, the School of Behavioral Sciences focuses on evidence-based assessment, a core research interest of hers that has garnered support from the National Institutes of Mental Health (NIMH). She works to ensure that whether a student is pursuing a Bachelor’s or a Doctorate, they are grounded in the science of what works.

The Practitioner: From Clinical Roots to the Dean’s Office

Before joining California Southern University, Dr. Noya honed her leadership skills as the Director of Clinical Training at Albizu University—where she originally earned her Psy.D. with a specialization in child psychology—and as Associate Dean at Keiser University.

This deep clinical background informs every decision she makes as Dean. She remembers the weight of conducting therapy with children and the precision required for psychological evaluations. It is this "real-world" experience that allows her to mentor faculty and students with a rare level of empathy.

The Human Element: Grounded Leadership

Despite a resume decorated with honors—including the APAGS 20th Anniversary Future Pioneers of Psychology Award and the APA Society for Clinical Psychology Distinguished Student Service Award—Dr. Noya remains grounded.

She views behavioral health through a community lens. To her, the School of Behavioral Sciences is the "heart" of the university, a place where curiosity meets a calling. She encourages her students to find their own "North Star," just as she found hers in child advocacy and clinical excellence.

When she isn't shaping the future of psychology, Dr. Noya is a firm believer in the "human element" of leadership—the small moments of mentorship that happen in the hallways (or the virtual equivalent) that ultimately define a student’s success.

Dr. Noya at a Glance

• Education: Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology, Albizu University (Child Specialization)
• Leadership: Former Chair, APAGS Advocacy Coordinating Team; Former Director of Clinical Training.
• Research Focus: Evidence-based approaches to assessment.
• Philosophy: "Empowering practitioners to be advocates for systemic change."

At California Southern University, our faculty are more than just educators; they are mentors, leaders, and dedicated partners in your academic success. Dr. Noya's story is an example of how an education in psychology can create a ripple effect of positive change. If you are ready to unlock your potential and start your own journey, we are here to provide the guidance and support you need along the way.