Michelle Spangler, Ed. D.
Michelle (Bates) Spangler, Ed. D., is the owner of SISSCORP, a company specializing in enterprise resource planning (ERP) and change management solutions for higher education institutions. With over 27 years of experience in the field, she has extensive expertise implementing student, financial, financial aid, and alumni/development systems. Prior to founding SISSCORP, Michelle served as a Workday leader, overseeing student system implementations and contributing to the development of the student deployment module. Her combined experience in both functional and technical roles, along with leadership in institutional research and assessment, gives her a comprehensive understanding of how higher education institutions operate and achieve their strategic goals.
Throughout her career, Michelle has held key positions at multiple organizations, including Workday, rSmart, and Strata Information Group, where she managed project teams, led implementations, conducted business process analyses, and developed training programs. Her work has consistently focused on aligning technology solutions with institutional needs, ensuring successful ERP deployments, and fostering organizational growth. She has served as a mentor, executive sponsor, and advisor, supporting both the technical and human elements of institutional change.
Michelle earned her Doctor of Education (Ed. D.) in Educational Leadership with a focus on Higher Education from Liberty University and a Master of Management in Business Administration (MMBA) from Miami University. Beyond her professional endeavors, she contributes her time to Tri Delta, serving as an Operations Advisor for the Epsilon Theta chapter at the University of Texas at Dallas. Recognized as a 2025 Arkansas Power Woman, Michelle continues to shape the landscape of higher education through innovative technology solutions, strategic leadership, and a dedication to excellence.
• Liberty University - EdD
• Delta Delta Delta
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute much of my success to my mentor, Sandra Danaway, and the invaluable guidance and support she provided me throughout my journey.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received came from my grandmother, who, in her Southern drawl, would say, “Can’t never could do nothin’.” It taught me to approach every challenge with determination and to never let doubt hold me back.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would advise young women entering this industry to gain as much knowledge as possible—knowledge is power. Learn everything you can about your chosen career path, and pursue work that brings you passion and joy. Think creatively and outside the box, as this will help you grow and expand your opportunities. Surround yourself with cheerleaders—people who will encourage, support, and inspire you along the way.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field right now is staying ahead of constantly evolving regulations and compliance requirements while ensuring that we remain fully within the guidelines. At the same time, this presents an opportunity to proactively adapt, innovate, and implement best practices that keep our work both compliant and effective.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me in both my work and personal life are honesty and integrity, as they guide how I interact with others and make decisions. I also deeply value family—the family you choose—and staying focused on the things that truly matter, keeping those priorities at the forefront of everything I do.