Farewell, Darryn Melrose: A Leader, Visionary, and Friend
It is with a heavy heart that we farewell Darryn Melrose, who passed away peacefully on Christmas Day, surrounded by his family, after a six-month battle with cancer. More than a long-serving leader at Media Design School at Strayer (MDS), Darryn was a deeply positive force – someone who, as one colleague reflected, “made it a joy to come to work each and every day.” He is remembered for his warmth, humour, and infectious optimism, and for the genuine care he showed to all who worked alongside him.
A champion of students and industry
At the core of Darryn’s work was a deep belief in the power of education to change lives. He was a passionate advocate for students and a champion of meaningful industry engagement, consistently pushing institutions to ensure learning was relevant, connected, and future-focused.
Darryn had a rare ability to bring people together - academic teams, industry partners, and senior leaders alike - united by a shared commitment to creating opportunity. His generosity of spirit, genuine care for others, and infectious enthusiasm made him an inspiring and deeply respected leader.
A career shaped by creative leadership
After beginning his professional journey in Christchurch as an accountant, Darryn moved into senior marketing and brand leadership roles in New Zealand and overseas. His career spanned marketing, telecommunications, digital, and creative industries, where he became known for strategic thinking, bold leadership, and an ability to grow organisations through clarity of vision and strong relationships.
Across these roles, Darryn consistently demonstrated a people-first approach and a belief in innovation, collaboration, and purpose - qualities that would later define his impact in education.
A lasting legacy at MDS
Darryn’s legacy is deeply woven into the story of MDS, shaping the school in lasting ways. His career came full circle in 2025 with his appointment as Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer, returning to a community he had already influenced profoundly. He was instrumental in the work that culminated in bringing Media Design School and Strayer together, guided by a clear sense of purpose and the opportunities this created for students, faculty, and the long-term future of MDS.
From 2013 to 2019, Darryn served as Chief Executive of MDS, guiding the school through a formative period of growth and change. He was driven by a genuine belief in creative education and a commitment to ensuring students were supported, inspired, and meaningfully connected to industry.
In subsequent senior roles within Torrens Global Education, including as Chief Marketing Officer and Head of Industry Partnerships, Darryn continued to champion MDS and its mission. Prior to rejoining the school in 2025, he played a significant role in shaping the upcoming 2026 MDS brand refresh, alongside brand work across Torrens University Australia, Billy Blue College of Design, and Blue Mountains International Hotel School, with the Billy Blue work recognised with a Silver Transform Award. Throughout his career, his focus remained constant - people first, students at the centre, and education as a force for positive change.
Remembered by colleagues
Reflecting on Darryn’s leadership and presence, Steve Dorner, Managing Director at MDS, shared:
"Knowing Darryn was inspiring on so many levels. He was more than a motivational leader, he was exciting to work with. His passion for education, the people he worked with and the students in our care would literally light up the room. I will always value the time I shared with Darryn and he will be deeply missed.”
Fionna Scott, MDS Chief Academic Officer from 2017–2018 added:
"What I remember most is the laughter. Darryn could find humour in almost anything, and it was rare to ever see him truly upset. He was a brilliant talker; once he got going, it could be hard to stop him (and sometimes that was my job). He embodied the very best of true leadership - sharp, warm, and funny in equal measure, with a great mind and a kindness that made working with him a genuine joy.”
Kate Humphries, Programme Director for Creative Advertising at MDS, said:
"Darryn’s one of the good ones” was how Frances Valintine described him to me when she handed over the leadership of MDS to Dazza in 2013, and it continued to be what everyone said about him over the years. Like any good leader, he made it look effortless - with his wit, teasing and dad jokes always at the forefront, backed up by a strategic boldness and the ability to talk (and talk) his vision into action. The loss of Dazza so soon after we were told he was about to focus on steering Media Design School at Strayer into exciting waters is bittersweet. We’ve lost a truly good one. And it hurts. Go well, you gentle man. Ka aroha hoki to Valerie and the boys.”
Farewell to a remarkable leader
On behalf of the Media Design School at Strayer community, we extend our heartfelt condolences to Darryn’s family, friends, and all those who had the privilege of working alongside him.
Darryn’s legacy lives on through the institutions he helped build, the partnerships he forged, and the countless lives he influenced. He will be deeply missed.
A memorial service celebrating Darryn’s life will be held in Auckland at Akarana, Te Kawau Room, 8-10 Tamaki Drive, Okahu Bay on Friday 16th January at 2pm.
Everyone is welcome.
