Michelle Howard-Vital has been a life-long learner and has served in higher education for over thirty years.   She earned her undergraduate and graduate degrees at the University of Chicago.  Her doctorate is in Public Policy Analysis from the University of Illinois at Chicago.   She has served in various roles in higher education including president, vice chancellor, dean, professor, and instructor.  Moreover, she earned tenure at a community college and at a regional masters university.   Her greatest passion is working with students to help expose them to their potential and enhance their contributions to society.   Michelle Howard-Vital has served in eight institutions of higher education which range from community college to research intensive.  Her goal is to be a champion of higher education to increase intellectual capital and the well-being of society.