Spring into Leadership! - Columbia College

Melisa Underwood Caughman ’95
Gladys Louise Brown ’74
Speaking Alum to Alum...
6
Alumnae in City Hall:
A Capital
Place to Be
“You just have to love your city,” that’s what Melisa Underwood
Caughman ’95 remembers hearing a mayor say on television when she
was ten years old. “A reporter asked what it took to be mayor of a city like
New York, and I was really struck by the answer,” Melisa recalls. “After
that, when people asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up, I said
‘the mayor,’” she laughs. And it’s no accident that Melisa is now a familiar
face in Columbia’s City Hall. An early interest in civic participation led her
to major in political science at Columbia College. “If I think about what I
took away from Columbia College, leadership and confidence building
are at the top,” says Melisa, a Columbia native. She earned her master’s
degree in public administration at the University of South Carolina and
developed a career in non-profit administration. A City of Columbia staff
member since 2001, she currently serves as the interim finance director
in addition to her duties as budget director and project manager.
Knock on another door at the City’s administration office and you’ll
meet Assistant City Manager Gladys Louise Brown ’74. A longtime
administrator with the City of Columbia, Gladys has held numerous
roles since 1980 when she began work in the community development
department. At Columbia College, she majored in business administration
after transferring from North Carolina A&T State University. “I felt lost at
such a big school, and Columbia College was a much better choice for
me.” When Gladys wasn’t in the classroom, she gained early experience
working in public administration offices and quickly built an affinity for the
business side of government. “I have a great love for Columbia, and now
it’s hard to imagine doing anything else,” she says of her 28 years with
the city. Her career has spanned a wide range of duties, from housing
finance to city clerk to municipal court director. Now, as assistant city
manager, she oversees all administrative services for city government.
We serve our alma mater every day by proudly identifying ourselves as Columbia College graduates. We stand firmly
behind the College mission to educate young women and foster leadership skills. Why? Because our lives are forever
changed by our years on the campus; because lifelong friendships were formed there; because when we needed a nurturing
learning environment, Columbia College answered. Indeed, we cannot imagine how different our lives would be if we had not
chosen Columbia College.
When the College reaches out for help, alumnae answer the call. Whether that plea is for committee volunteers,
assistance with a prospective student, assisting with an event or financial support of the Loyalty Fund, we respond. Our
enduring sisterhood ensures that future generations of young women will have the same opportunities that we were
afforded.
If you have already supported the Loyalty Fund this year, thank you! If you are considering a gift, we include a preaddressed
envelope to ease the process. If you or your spouse works for a matching gift company, please seek out their
matching gift forms to maximize your contribution. Every dollar makes a difference!
She who has been, shall ever be… There are many opportunities to become active with today’s Columbia College.
Your interests and expertise are valued here, and I always welcome your call or e-mail.
Lisa Kennerly Livingston ’91
Executive Director of Alumnae Relations
803.786.3029 llivingston@colacoll.edu