Meet the Alumni Engagement Board President

Meet Michaela

Why did you choose the University of St. Thomas?

I was first drawn to the University of St. Thomas because, on paper, it looked like a perfect fit. I loved the location, and the size felt more personal than a large state school. I also appreciated the familiarity of strong community and tradition the university offered.

But the real moment came when I stepped onto the quad for the first time. Everything about it just felt right—the energy, the connections, the feeling that I could belong. In that moment, I knew St. Thomas was where I was meant to be.

Describe your career path.

I always tell students who feel uncertain about their path not to worry. The gift of a St. Thomas education is that it sparks curiosity, opens doors to so many subjects and experts, and helps you discover passions you didn’t even know you had. That’s exactly what it did for me.

My own career has taken me across industries and roles - from organizational effectiveness at Target, to supply chain at Best Buy, to consulting in human-centered design research, and now serving as Director of Business Operations at Bright Research. The common thread through all of it has been understanding people, growing businesses, and learning how to turn ideas into action.

But more than skills or titles, what’s mattered most are relationships, the chance to work with others, build trust, and create something better together. That, to me, is the true foundation of St. Thomas Alumni: our connections, our chosen family, and the life journeys we share.

What are your goals as the president of Alumni Engagement Board?

My biggest goal is to help alumni reconnect, rediscover, and fall in love with the University of St. Thomas all over again. We’re forever part of this community that shaped us and gave us so much and that connection doesn’t end at graduation.

Just as we’ve grown over the years, so has UST. Right now, our alma mater is maintaining its traditions while strategically growing as a national educational institution and I’m excited to contribute to its on-going success. It’s a great time to return to campus, see what’s new, celebrate the traditions that have stood the test of time, and find meaningful ways to re-engage with the place that helped make us who we are today.

Why should Tommies stay engaged?

There’s a common misconception that all a school wants from its alumni is financial support. But what truly matters is our engagement - whether it’s mentoring a student, cheering on the women’s basketball team, or supporting undergraduates. It can also be as simple as introducing the school to your family, walking around campus, sharing stories, and pointing out favorite spots.

The University of St. Thomas played a meaningful role in each of our lives during a pivotal time, and it’s easy to forget just how much that shaped us. I’d love to see Tommies reconnect and help ensure that today’s students not only have the same opportunities we did, but even more.

What excites you about the future of the University of St. Thomas?

UST’s move to Division I and onto a larger stage fills me with excitement and optimism for our future. It affirms what we already know - Tommies excel in everything we do.

As alumni, this is our opportunity to come together and be part of a new chapter of growth and transformation. We know higher education is changing and challenges are ahead, but I believe we are ready. With strong momentum, a dedicated community, and an unwavering commitment to our students, St. Thomas is evolving to meet today’s needs and secure our place in the future.

This is our moment to shape something truly remarkable, and I am so proud to be part of it.