Michelle Madden
Michelle Madden, Ed.D. (she/her), Senior Consultant is an accomplished leader at the University of South Florida (USF), serving as the Director of Accreditation Strategy and Enhancement. In this pivotal role, she collaborates with university leadership to strategically plan, implement, and execute initiatives and programs aimed at elevating USF's standing among the top public universities in the United States. Recently, USF received a notable invitation to join the esteemed Association of American Universities (AAU), a testament to the institution's unwavering commitment to excellence in serving both students and the broader community.
As a key driving force within the Office of Strategic Performance and Accountability, Dr. Madden oversees the university's institutional accreditation endeavors, ensuring that every facet of its programs adheres to or surpasses the rigorous standards set by both institutional and specialized accreditation bodies. Prior to her current role, Michelle served with distinction as the Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer / Director of Institutional Effectiveness and Assessment at the USF St. Petersburg campus for over five years, leading the university in implementing evidence-based measures to foster inclusivity and equity across all aspects of the academic environment, from students to faculty and staff. Recognized for her visionary leadership and strategic planning grounded in sound data analytics, she is well-versed in creative approaches to finding solutions to complex issues. Dr. Madden has designed and implemented evidence-based institutional effectiveness strategies and conducted systemic assessments that incorporate equity measures.
Dr. Madden's impact extends beyond the confines of the university, as she was instrumental in conceiving and establishing the SPHERE (St. Pete/Pinellas Higher Education for Racial Equity) Consortium in 2020. This visionary collaboration brought together USF, St. Pete College, Stetson University College of Law, and Eckerd College, united in their dedication to combating racial disparities in academia through community partnerships. The SPHERE Consortium continues to forge connections with local St. Petersburg entities, including the City of St. Pete Mayor's Office, the St. Pete Youth Farm, The Well For Life, Community Tampa Bay, and other community organizations. These partnerships provide vital education and mentorship opportunities for Student Racial Justice Fellows during the academic year and through paid summer internship experiences.
With an impressive career spanning over 25 years, Michelle has held various educational roles, ranging from university administrator and faculty member to educator and district leader within the K-12 sector. Throughout her journey, Michelle has remained unwavering in her commitment to institutional and student success, tirelessly working to enhance processes for maximum efficiency.
Dr. Madden's dedication to the betterment of education extends to her involvement on multiple Governing Boards, including LEAP Tampa Bay's Leadership Council, the SACSCOC Peer Review Advisory Board, The USF UMatter Program Steering Committee, The Foundation for Healthy St. Petersburg's Dream in Black and Brown Youth Leadership initiative, and COQEBS (Concerned Organization for Quality Education for Black Students).
Michelle holds a Doctorate in Education from the University of West Georgia, a Master's of Education in Urban Education from Georgia State University, and a Bachelor's degree from the State University of New York at Albany. Her academic achievements underscore her passion for lifelong learning and her profound commitment to educational and institutional excellence.
