About Michelle​

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• Present - Ph.D. Leadership Studies, University of San Diego, Area of Specialization: Higher EducationCertificate: Restorative Justice Facilitation and Leadership

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• 2016 - M.A. Art History, California State University, Los Angeles, Areas of Specialization: Pre-Columbian and Chicana/o/x Art, Thesis: Mujeres de Maiz: Forcing Change in the Art Landscape of Los Angeles – Investigates the impact Mujeres de Maiz had on the contemporary art world in Los Angeles.

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• 2014 - M.F.A. Studio Art, California State University, Los Angeles, Area of Specialization: Photography, Video, and Sculpture, Thesis: Offerings of the Flesh – An exploration of identity through memory.

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• 2011- B.A. Studio Arts, California State University, Los Angeles, Areas of Specialization: Photography and Mixed media

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• 2004 - A.A. Liberal Studies, East Los Angeles College, Monterey Park, CA, Areas of focus: Drawing, Painting, and Religious History

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Michelle L. Lopez is a dedicated educator and community advocate with a rich background in art and Chicanx Studies. A proud alumna of California State University, Los Angeles, she has been actively involved in academia since 2005. She held positions in Faculty Affairs, Student Services, and the College of Natural and Social Sciences Dean’s office before moving into teaching in the Chicana(o) and Latina(o) Studies Department (CLS) in 2014. Michelle's diverse expertise includes roles as Assessment Coordinator, Course Coordinator, and Co-Chair of the Student Success Committee for the College of Ethnic Studies. She has also served on department and college-level curriculum committees. In 2020, the Academic Senate at Cal State LA developed an Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Task Force, which Michelle was part of until 2023, when the task force disbanded. 

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In addition to her practical experience, Michelle is committed to professional development, holding numerous course and program certifications, including:

• Infusing Culturally Sustaining Curriculum and Teaching

• Career-Engaged Departments: Teaching with the Future in Mind

• Quality Matters Rubric Update

• Inclusive Teaching Toward a Just Classroom

• CSU Advanced QLT Course in Teaching Online

• Designing Your Blended Course

• Credential in Effective College Instruction 

• Promoting Engaged and Active Learning

• Empowering Students to Use AI Responsibly

• AI Tools for Teaching and Learning

 

Michelle’s experience includes leading teams with course redesign. Currently, she is working on reimagining and redesigning the General Education courses at California State University, Los Angeles. 

With a passion for enhancing educational practices, Michelle is excited to bring her insights and experience to modernize curriculum frameworks, ensuring they reflect the diverse voices and histories of the communities they serve.

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Full Vitae 

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Publications:​

• 2024 - Mujeres de Maiz en Movimiento: Spiritual Artivism, Healing Justice, and Feminist Praxis, “Bringing Art to the People: Decolonizing Art Spaces and Exhibitions,” Arizona University Press – Essay contributor

• 2019 - Linda Vallejo: Brown Belongings, LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes, Exhibition Catalog – Essay contributor

• 2019 - Entre Tinta y Lucha: 45 Years of Self Help Graphics & Art, Cal State LA, Exhibition Catalog – Essay contributor and editor

• 2018 - Womxn Warriors: Honoring the 50th Anniversary of the Walkouts and Intergenerational Organizing, Mujeres de Maiz, Annual Publication - Editor

• 2016 - ONE: Body, Mind, Spirit, Mujeres de Maiz, Annual Publication - Contributor

• 2015 - Made, Mother, Mujeres de Maiz, Annual Publication- Contributor

• 2014 - Ofrendas of the Flesh, Mujeres de Maiz, Annual Publication - Contributor

• 2013 - 16: Identity Blinging, Mujeres de Maiz, Annual Publication - Contributor

• 2011 - Man as Object, Reversing the Gaze, Women’s Caucus for Art, Exhibition Catalog - Contributor

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