About

MELVIN H. STEALS, Ph.D.

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Little did Melvin know that a simple coin toss on a Friday night in October 1962 would forever change his life. As a junior at Western Pennsylvania’s football powerhouse, The Quips of Aliquippa, he won that coin toss instead of his twin brother Mervin—and it led him to meet his future wife, Adrena Lee Richardson, a junior at Westinghouse High School, the Pittsburgh Public Schools’ equally formidable rival team. That moment marked the beginning of a love story that has endured for more than 62 years and a marriage now approaching 57 years.

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Known affectionately as “Lyric,” Melvin would go on to become an accomplished educator, Grammy Award–winning songwriter, and mentor whose work has impacted countless lives. After earning his Bachelor of Science degree and certification as a Secondary English Teacher from Cheyney State College in 1968, Melvin—alongside his twin brother Mervin—met and was befriended by legendary vocalist Eddie Holman (“Hey There Lonely Girl”). Eddie introduced the brothers to key figures in Philadelphia’s R&B scene, inspiring them to write and co-compose over 300 songs, including the multi-million-selling Could It Be I’m Falling in Love by The Spinners. Their songs have since been recorded by numerous artists, including Russell Thompkins, Jr. of The Stylistics, and featured on the Grammy-Award–winning “10%” by Kaytranada featuring Kali Uchis.

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Despite his musical success, Melvin’s calling as an educator never wavered. He returned to Aliquippa High School in 1979 after a sabbatical and discovered a reading gap among his students that ignited a new mission. Determined to find solutions, he pursued graduate studies—earning a Master of Education in Reading, English, and Language Arts from Duquesne University, along with certifications as a Reading Specialist and Elementary and Secondary Principal. He later achieved a Ph.D. in Curriculum & Supervision from the University of Pittsburgh.

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Throughout his 36-year educational career, Melvin served as a teacher and principal in multiple Pennsylvania school districts, as well as an adjunct professor at Duquesne University. His passion for literacy, leadership, and lifelong learning has made him a respected voice in both education and music.

In retirement, Melvin and his wife Adrena found renewed purpose through their work with the Infinite Scholars Program (ISP), helping award over $2 billion in college scholarships since 2003. He continues to be recognized not only for his contributions to education and music but also for his enduring partnership with Adrena—a testament to faith, love, and purpose fulfilled.