September 2, 2026

When Melody Baccus arrived at Wilberforce University from nearby Dayton, Ohio, her plans were simple: earn her degree, sing in the choir, and prepare for a future career as a music teacher. What she did not expect was that Wilberforce would become the place where her faith, leadership, and calling would flourish in ways she never imagined. 

Today, the junior serves not only as a student scholar and member of the renowned Wilberforce Choir, but also as a student minister whose messages of faith and encouragement resonate with classmates navigating the challenges of college life. 

“I was just a church kid from Dayton, Ohio, wanting to complete my education,” Baccus said. “Now I am able to serve my peers in a way I never thought I would be able to.” 

For Baccus, choosing Wilberforce was about more than earning a degree. As the nation’s oldest private historically Black university, founded by the African Methodist Episcopal Church, Wilberforce offered an environment where she could embrace every part of who she is. 

“I chose Wilberforce because of the opportunity to grow my gifts in a world where it’s hard to fit in,” she explained. “At Wilberforce, I felt like I fit right in. The atmosphere being founded by the AME Church meant a lot, not just as a student, but as a preacher of the Gospel as well.” 

The university’s rich spiritual heritage, combined with its vibrant musical traditions, immediately felt familiar. 

“I love the choir and the band. It reminds me of when I was in high school, but on a more advanced level,” she said. 

As a member of the Wilberforce Choir and the Religious Life Club, Baccus has found opportunities to develop both musically and spiritually. Traveling across the country with the choir has expanded her perspective and strengthened her confidence, while her regular service in Thursday chapel has provided a platform to inspire others through ministry. 

“I want to be a music teacher after graduation,” she said. “Then I plan to earn my doctorate in theology and become a senior pastor. The experiences I’m getting through the Wilberforce Chorus and serving in chapel every week are definitely preparing me for life after college.” 

Though she now speaks before large audiences with confidence and conviction, Baccus is quick to reveal a surprising fact about herself. 

“I am actually really shy,” laughs. “Speaking in front of people is only God’s grace.” 

That humility is part of what makes her ministry relatable to fellow students. Rather than presenting herself as someone who has all the answers, Baccus openly discusses the realities of balancing faith, academics, and personal growth. 

“I didn’t come here to preach,” she said. “But God allowed me to use that gift to motivate other students just like me who are balancing life and Christianity at the same time.” 

Her message to incoming students is both simple and powerful: embrace who you are. 

“Be yourself,” she advised. “You’re going to make mistakes, but don’t let them weigh you down. God’s got the plan. Just walk in it.” 

Baccus believes that authentic living and faith-filled leadership can create a lasting impact on campus. She encourages students to remain open to opportunities that may take them beyond their original expectations. 

For her, a scholarship to sing in the choir became the doorway to discovering a deeper purpose. 

“Wilberforce changed my life, so I know it has the power to change anybody’s,” she said. “Coming on a choir scholarship didn’t just open the door musically for me. It opened the door spiritually as well, which is a big part of my life.” 

Outside of ministry and music, Baccus enjoys spending time with friends, sharing meals, and finding joy in everyday experiences. She hopes others will see that faith is not restrictive, but empowering. 

“Christianity is not boring,” she said. “God didn’t call us to sit still. I love to pour into others, have fun, enjoy life, and be the church kid musician who found herself at Wilberforce and discovered what she was truly capable of.” 

Looking toward the future, Baccus is determined to remain connected to the institution that has helped shape her journey. 

“I will always be there for my WU family,” she said. “I’ll come back to help with choir events and chapel whenever I can. Who knows? One day I might even become Dean of Religious Life.” 

Whether her future leads her to the classroom, the pulpit, or back to Wilberforce itself, one thing is certain: Melody Baccus is already living out the university’s tradition of leadership, service, and faith. Through her music, ministry, and willingness to answer God’s call, she is making a meaningful impact today while preparing to inspire generations to come. 

Media Contact
Lena Arnold
larnold@wilberforce.edu
937-708-5532