Dr. Michelle Miller-Galaz is a seasoned higher education administrator with over a decade of leadership experience, currently serving as a key member of the academic administration team at Porterville College. With an Educational Doctorate, a master's degree in Instructional Design, and a Master of Business Administration, Dr. Miller-Galaz has cultivated a rich career devoted to fostering student success, advancing equity, and promoting institutional excellence. Her expertise lies in planning, implementing, and evaluating programs that serve diverse student populations, including justice-impacted individuals, nontraditional learners, and those from underrepresented backgrounds. In her current role, Dr. Miller-Galaz has demonstrated exceptional leadership in aligning educational programming with the needs of the community and the goals of Porterville College's Educational Master Plan. She has been instrumental in initiatives such as the Rising Scholars program, which expands access to higher education for incarcerated and formerly incarcerated students through innovative partnerships with correctional facilities and local agencies. An experienced grant writer, Dr. Miller-Galaz has secured significant funding for community-focused initiatives, including art programming for vulnerable families and operational support for educational centers. Committed to professional development and lifelong learning, Dr. Miller-Galaz actively contributes to the advancement of higher education by presenting at conferences, volunteering on state committees, and engaging with professional learning communities. She is dedicated to fostering an inclusive campus environment, championing diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility initiatives for faculty, staff, and students. Dr. Miller-Galaz?s career reflects a passion for empowering individuals and building pathways to success, ensuring that educational institutions remain responsive to the evolving needs of their communities.