Michaela Long

I attribute my success to the people who have invested in me throughout my career. My mentors have played a significant role by teaching me, guiding me, and consistently pouring into my professional growth. I also value my colleagues, whose collaboration and shared commitment to excellence have helped shape me in ways I could not have achieved on my own. Most importantly, the students I’ve worked with have continually challenged and inspired me, making me a better educator, professional, and person.

I also recognize that none of my success comes from me alone. I am grateful to God for providing me with opportunities to grow, learn, and connect with others, and for placing people in my life who have supported my journey.

The best advice I have received is to always go back to my “why” and to make sure that everything I do is in the best interest of the student above all else. That advice has really stayed with me because it keeps me grounded, especially when things get busy or complicated.

In higher education, it’s easy to get pulled in a lot of different directions, but I’ve found that returning to that “why” helps me stay focused on what truly matters. It reminds me that my work isn’t just about tasks or responsibilities—it’s about students, their growth, and their success.

Over time, that mindset has shaped how I approach my role, how I make decisions, and how I show up for both students and colleagues.

The advice I would give to young women entering higher education is to stay grounded in your “why” and don’t lose sight of the purpose that brought you into the field. There will be moments that feel overwhelming or uncertain, but returning to your sense of purpose helps you stay steady and intentional.

Finally, I would tell them to trust their voice and their perspective. As women in higher education, we bring valuable insight and lived experience to our work. When we stay rooted in service to students and remain open to growth, we can make a lasting impact—not only on the students we serve, but also on the culture of the institutions we’re part of.

One of the biggest challenges is the increasing pressure on student success, retention, and completion rates, especially as students are navigating more outside responsibilities and barriers than ever before. At the same time, institutions are being asked to clearly demonstrate the value and return on investment of a degree in a way that is transparent and meaningful for students and families. It is more important than ever to refer back to our mission, and work to eliminate barriers for students, especially within the community college sector.

Empathy guides how I show up for others, especially in higher education. It helps me take the time to understand students’ experiences, meet them where they are, and respond in a way that is supportive and student-centered.

Integrity is equally important to me because it shapes how I make decisions and how I carry out my responsibilities. I strive to be consistent, honest, and accountable in both my work and my relationships, even when situations are challenging.

My faith is the foundation that grounds me. It influences how I treat others, how I handle adversity, and how I stay focused on purpose rather than just tasks or outcomes. It also reminds me to remain grateful and intentional in the opportunities I’ve been given.