Ever wondered who helps professors make online classes possible?

Meet Michelle. 

She works here at the Johnson & Wales College of Online Education as an online instructional technologist. She spends her day taking the ideas and plans of the professors and instructional designers on her team, and turning them into online courses. This involves building out the course content into ulearn, the online “classroom.” Michelle also provides technical support to faculty, which she really enjoys because it gives an opportunity to build connections with them and learn about the work that they do.

Although she started in August 2019, she fell right into the groove—largely thanks to her tight-knit coworkers who welcomed her with open arms. She said, “What I love most about Johnson & Wales, and particularly the College of Online Education, is the people I get to work with. My colleagues have been so welcoming and kind, and they instantly made me feel that I was part of the team. I love coming to work each day because of the wonderful people I get to be around.”

Career Moves

Originally from England, Michelle came to the U.S. in 2006 to pursue her education. She received her bachelor’s and two masters' degrees from Idaho State University, where she also met her husband. After graduating, Michelle returned to the university to work as an academic advisor and program coordinator. She remembered, “There, I had the opportunity to work with students one-on-one to help them achieve their educational goals. Now I'm working as an instructional technologist, which I love because I feel like I get to now help students on a more macro level.” 

After 13 years of living in Idaho and Washington State, Michelle jumped at the chance to move to New England, which has always been a dream of hers, when she received an offer to work here at Johnson & Wales.

Fun and Games

Being a historian at heart, Michelle and her husband enjoy exploring new places and learning about how different cities grow and develop. They also love pub trivia and were part of a league in their old town. “We're hoping to join another one here in Providence!” she said. Outside of work, Michelle also enjoys spending time finding new coffee shops, reading, watching Netflix, and playing board games with friends. Enjoying learning new things, Michelle also likes to take online courses as well. “I recently finished one on learning JavaScript.”

For more information on pursuing your degree at Johnson & Wales University College of Online Education, complete the “Request Info” form on this page or call 855-JWU-1881 or email onlineadmissions@jwu.edu.