Office of the Provost Staff

Silvia started her career at Wake Forest as the Administrative Coordinator for Interdisciplinary Studies providing administrative support for a group of minor programs (Latin American & Latino Studies, American Ethnic Studies, Middle East & South Asia Studies, Medieval/Early Modern Studies, Neuroscience, Arabic, and Hindi-Urdu). In January 2019, she became the Administrative Assistant for Dr. Kline Harrison, the Associate Provost for Global Affairs and Kemper Professor of Business. In her new role, Silvia works as support for abroad programs offered by Wake Forest University, faculty and students participating in them, as well as with the Global Trade & Commerce Minor.

Denise serves as Executive Assistant to the Provost. In this role, she manages scheduling, organizational, and logistical needs, enabling the Provost to efficiently navigate an extensive menu of critical responsibilities. Fostering positive relationships with diverse stakeholders, Denise is a key contributor to the success of the Provost’s initiatives.

Griggs began her career at Wake Forest University in 2013 as Assistant to the Dean of the College. Prior to Wake Forest, she served in positions including Executive Assistant and Project Management Specialist at Carolina First Bank/South Financial Group, Lexington, SC; Budget Analyst at Southern Community Bank and Trust, Winston-Salem, NC; and Financial Analyst, at Capital Bank, Winston-Salem, NC. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Central Missouri.

Melissa Mickles serves as Director of Talent Management in the Office of the Provost at Wake Forest University, where she supports talent development strategies across the division including the design and execution of integrated hiring and onboarding initiatives.

In partnership with academic and administrative leaders, she provides guidance on recruiting and hiring practices, onboarding programs, and process management. She collaborates with hiring managers, supervisors, department heads, Assistant, Associate, and Vice Provosts, as well as Deans to establish efficient systems, programs, and practices that enhance workforce effectiveness and support divisional priorities.

Her efforts focus on collaboration, operational excellence, and commitments to building streamlined, people-centered processes that enhance the employee experience and support the mission of the university.

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Barbara began her career at Wake Forest University in 2005 within Financial Services, transitioning her financial expertise to the Provost’s Office in 2010. In her current role, she provides critical financial reporting and budget oversight for the areas under the Provost Office, including strategic support for Assistant and Associate Provosts.

Areas of Responsibility:

• Budget Management: Oversight and management of the Provost’s operating, Academic Administration and capital budgets.
• University Liaison: Serves as the primary point of contact connecting the Provost’s Office with the Office of Budget and Planning as well as Financial & Accounting Services.
• Faculty Support: Manages and processes Provost Faculty Travel Requests.

Jason Oppel serves as Director of Technology and Space Management in the Office of the Provost. In this role, he provides leadership for technology planning, academic space systems, operational applications, and cross-functional projects that support the University’s academic mission. His work focuses on strengthening the systems, processes, and partnerships that help academic and administrative units manage space, faculty affairs, accessibility services, event operations, and institutional data.

Jason oversees key academic platforms used across the University, including the University Reservation System, EMS, Interfolio, AIM accessibility systems, Workday integrations, and related applications. He serves as a technical lead and project manager for system implementations, vendor coordination, data governance, troubleshooting, and process improvement across Provost-area departments.

Jason chairs the EMS Advisory Team and represents the Provost’s Office on groups focused on space scheduling, classroom assignments, system integrations, campus event processes, and university policy related to events. He works closely with academic departments, the University Registrar, Campus Life, Athletics, Information Systems, Advancement, Facilities, and campus event partners to improve academic systems and campus processes.

Jason also oversees Brendle Recital Hall and technical event services in Wait Chapel, including venue operations, staffing, budget planning, and long-term facility improvements.