In 2019, Melodie Brunt was elected Texas State Regent and stated her theme: “This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice in it and be glad.” Psalm 118:24 Within nine months, the nation was gripped with the COVID-19 pandemic. She encouraged courts to find new and innovative ways to meet, hold fundraisers, and help everyone in need. During her term, it took 15 months to finish a Habitat for Humanity home, five new courts were instituted, and nine courts were disbanded. No Campus Courts were left and Texas CDA membership dropped to below 15,500. There were so many challenges during this term – many were diagnosed with this virus and some died, many were diagnosed with other ailments and some died, many were gripped in fear and stayed home, many challenges, so many challenges.
As Melodie states, “We made it! For “This is the day the Lord has made” and we did rejoice when we helped others, installed new members, prayed on Facebook® together, and watched videos on our Website. Let us never forget this time of fear and always rejoice when we follow our Lord in helping others, no matter how long it takes, no matter our fears, no matter our personal sacrifices!”
Melodie has been a member of Court Marie, #344, Texarkana, since 1997. She served her local CDA court as Vice Regent and Regent, encouraged a JCDA court, scholarships, and innovative fundraising. An active in her parish, Melodie serves as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, a Lector, and a member of the Sacred Linens, Bereavement, Homebound, and Women’s Society Unit 3. She was awarded the Emealeen Gabour Angel Award by the Women’s Society in 2018.
Her State CDA journey began in 2009 when appointed District 6’s District Deputy and she served on the 2011 State Convention’s Credential Committee. Elected State Treasurer in 2011, she was elected to each State Office thereafter until 2019 when elected State Regent. She spent numerous hours on Facebook®, Zoom, and conference calls with the members of this Great State of Texas.
Melodie earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting from East Texas State University-Texarkana in 1991, and a master’s degree in business administration from Texas A&M University-Texarkana in 2007. She is employed with T. Hicks GP Inc. as Executive Assistant to Tommy L Hicks II. She firmly believes you are never too old to return to school or learn something new.
Melodie and Bill were married in 1977, and enjoy their three daughters and sons-in-law, and seven grandchildren, all living close by. She loves camping, traveling to new places, reading, sewing, and now loves social media!