2024-2025

Melissa Bonney is of the Biszaha Clan and resides in the community of Hondah with her husband and sons.  Her journey to complete her bachelor's degree began in the 1990's, with this unsuccessful attempt due to other life obligations, she decided to focus on establishing her family. She began again the fall of 2010 through fall 2012, but with work and family situations she concluded that attempt.  With her youngest son completing high school in May of 2025 she decided this is the best time to fully focus on her educational goal, with only 2 courses needed to be completed she enrolled in the fall semester of 2025 to complete her degree.  
As a "non-traditional" student in her 50's, she excelled in some areas and struggled in others; with the assistance from tutors she was able to overcome those struggles.  She said "it was not easy, with much maturity, my studies were a priority and I often was hard on myself but with the support of my family I received the encouragement to keep pushing myself." Her daughter holds two bachelor degrees from Arizona State University 2015 and would give her the very same encouraging words she would give her while she was in college.  Melissa, converted one of the rooms in her home as a study space so she could read and do work through the weekend, her family had to "block" all family events the entire Fall semester so she could focus on her studies.

Through the scholarships received from NAU Jacks on Track, NAU Department Scholarship and the Native Women Scholars program she was able to pay her educational expenses in full; she is much appreciative of these programs for helping her complete this life goal.  Melissa is a proud holder of a Bachelor's degree, in Interdisciplinary Studies 90-30, Public Administration from Northern Arizona University, proud graduate Class of 2025.
Melissa is currently looking into master's programs but has not yet made a decision.