Michele Spires is a highly accomplished and dedicated leader in the field of higher education, with a strong focus on credit for prior learning, program quality assurance, learner success, and institutional policy advancement. Her extensive experience of nearly three decades in post-traditional, workforce, and military education reflects a deep understanding of the evolving landscape of learning beyond traditional classrooms.

Her commitment to driving transformative initiatives and fostering collaboration between higher education institutions, employers, and independent learners demonstrates a forward-thinking approach. Her leadership role as an assistant vice president reflects her dedication to advancing the vision, mission, and strategy of the American Council on Education to create positive impacts on learners and the broader higher education community.

Notably, her contributions to discussions on the evaluation of educational experiences beyond the traditional classroom, as evidenced by her coauthorship of Recognition of Learning Across Military and Corporate Settings, highlights her pivotal role in ensuring the quality of educational experiences. Her involvement in various boards, advisory roles, and leadership positions with organizations such as the Council of College and Military Educators, PsychArmor, and the George W. Bush Institute’s Stand-To Veteran Higher Education Task Force further underscores her commitment to excellence in education.

Her educational background, with a bachelor’s degree in French, a master’s degree in educational leadership, and postgraduate courses in adult education and curriculum, showcases a well-rounded foundation. Additionally, her personal connection as the spouse of an Air Force retiree adds a valuable perspective to her work.

Michele Spires’s recognition for significant contributions and sought-after expertise in discussions on bridging the skills gap in education speaks to her influence in the credit for prior learning sector. Her embodiment of values such as quality, equity, economic mobility, and innovation positions her as a notable figure and a driving force for positive change.