As the Associate Vice Provost for Academic Innovation, Michelle Giovannozzi provides campus-wide leadership for the expansion of innovative teaching and learning initiatives. She oversees all aspects of implementation, personnel, quality, budget, communication, and continuous improvement. In partnership with her team, Michelle ensures the effective and strategic development of academic resources and the integration of innovative technology. She works collaboratively with internal leaders and community and industry partners to advance Portland State’s academic innovation and educational and community impact.
Michelle has been with Portland State since 2016, previously serving as the Director of the Center for Executive and Professional Education. In this capacity, she provided strategic leadership for all aspects of center operations and the delivery of public and custom professional education programs, including student success, team leadership, long-term vision, competitive positioning, business development, financial management, research, and marketing.
Michelle possesses extensive experience in higher education, workforce, and economic development, with a passion for the intersection of education and business. Prior to joining Portland State University, Michelle served as the Director of Economic Development and Partnerships for Clark College. Her additional professional pursuits include delivering leadership and team development coaching and training for corporate clients and guest writing business columns.
Michelle Giovannozzi earned a bachelor’s degree from Princeton University in French Literature and European Cultural Studies and a master’s degree in Human Resource Management with a concentration in Organizational Development from Seattle Pacific University. She maintains Professional Human Resource certification from the Society for Human Resource Management and the Human Resource Certification Institute. As a lifelong learner, Michelle pursues ongoing professional development and holds additional professional certifications in DISC and the Hogan Assessment.
In addition to her higher education leadership roles, Michelle has served in community and board leadership roles. She served as an elected Board Director for Vancouver Public Schools for four years, overseeing the district’s goals, operations, and policies and serving as the president of the Board. She has held several other community leadership positions, including diversity chair and board secretary for Leadership Clark County, and executive board member of the Foundation for Vancouver Public Schools. She has also held positions on the Citizens Committee for Good Schools and the Princeton University Alumni Schools Committee.