Michele Powell
Administrative Specialist in Facilities Operations
University of Michigan
Volunteer Engagement Role or Committee:
Annual Conference Committee
Volunteer Start Date:
CACUBO AC 2025 Program Committee in June of 2024
Nominated By:
Tracy Tamer
Nomination Remarks:
"I have had the honor of working with Michele on multiple committees, including the Annual Conference and the Leadership Institute. Michele is always eager to jump in and help with whatever task is needed. She brings tremendous energy to everything she does, and when she’s on your team, you know she has your back."
What inspired you to start volunteering with CACUBO?
A dear friend and mentor both introduced to and recommended me for volunteering and becoming involved with CACUBO.
What is the most rewarding aspect of your volunteer work?
The most rewarding aspect of volunteering with CACUBO has been the opportunity to learn while contributing to something meaningful. As someone who is passionate about professional growth, I joined CACUBO to expand my knowledge of higher education business administration and to challenge myself beyond my day-to-day responsibilities.
Serving on the Program Committee and now the Host Committee and Leadership Institute has allowed me to work alongside incredibly talented professionals from colleges and universities across the region. I have had the privilege of collaborating with leaders at all levels, who have been welcoming, encouraging, and generous in sharing their expertise. Their willingness to mentor and collaborate has made volunteering an enriching experience.
I also enjoy knowing that the work we do helps create valuable learning opportunities for others. Whether coordinating conference logistics, supporting leadership programming, or helping develop educational sessions, it is rewarding to contribute to events that foster professional development and strengthen the higher education community.
Share a memorable experience or story from your time volunteering.
One of my most memorable experiences as a CACUBO volunteer wasn't a single event, but a realization. My first Annual Conference in Louisville in 2025 was especially meaningful because I had the opportunity to serve on the Program Committee. After months of working behind the scenes with presenters, I had the privilege of introducing several speakers whose sessions I had helped coordinate. It was incredibly rewarding to see those plans come together and know I had played a small part in creating a successful learning experience for conference attendees.
That experience opened the door to even more opportunities. I was honored to be invited to serve on the 2027 Annual Conference Host Committee as the Protocol Host and on the 2026 Leadership Institute Planning Committee.
During our Chicago site visit in June 2026, I remember sitting in the opening committee meeting and looking around the room at the talented professionals serving on the Host and Program Committees. Many held senior leadership positions at their institutions, yet they welcomed me as a valued member of the team. In that moment, I realized how fortunate I was to be part of a community that genuinely invests in one another's growth and success.
That feeling has stayed with me. CACUBO has given me much more than volunteer opportunities—it has given me mentors, meaningful professional relationships, and the confidence to continue growing in higher education administration. It reminds me that no matter your title, everyone has something valuable to contribute and something new to learn.
What do you enjoy about working in higher education?
What I enjoy most about working in higher education is being part of an environment that values learning, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Every day provides an opportunity to support people whose work ultimately impacts students, patients, and our broader communities.
I especially appreciate the culture of collaboration across disciplines and institutions. Through my work at the University of Michigan Medicine and my volunteer involvement with CACUBO, I have seen how professionals come together to share ideas, solve challenges, and support one another's success. That spirit of collaboration has inspired me to continue growing professionally and to seek opportunities where I can contribute while learning from others.
Higher education encourages lifelong learning, and that aligns perfectly with my own career goals. I am motivated by opportunities to develop new skills, build meaningful relationships, and make a positive impact.
