Dr. Michelle Johnson has more than 20 years of experience working in educational institutions; 9 years in the K-12 setting, and 11 years at the post-secondary level. She is a trained K-12 special education teacher, school counselor, principal and special education director. In addition to being a certified mental health counselor. Her experience has focused on working with diverse populations, individuals in trauma and people who have disabilities and mental illness.

Dr. Johnson is currently employed at South Dakota State University, and has worked in the Title IX field for 8 years; holding the role as Title IX/Equal Opportunity Compliance Coordinator for 3 years. In her role, Michelle ensures that all inquiries and complaints falling under the scope of Title IX, VAWA and other Equal Opportunity regulations are responded to and/or investigated. She also conducts and supervises Title IX training for the entire campus community and has taught a one-credit Title IX course. She collaborates with University leaders; creates and disseminates campus communications and works with outside agencies to ensure compliance with federal regulations and guidance are maintained. Dr. Johnson holds a doctorate in Educational Administration from the University of South Dakota, a master’s degree in Counseling and Human Resource Development from South Dakota State University, and majored in Special Education in her undergraduate studies at the University of Central Oklahoma.