CofC Faces to Know: Michelle Futrell

Name: Michelle Futrell ’92

Hometown: Wytheville, Virginia

Education: B.S. in physical education with a concentration in athletic training from CofC, ’92; M.A. in physical education, exercise and sport science from UNC at Chapel Hill, ’94

Job title: Assistant Dean for Professional Studies and Continuing Education (in the School of Business)

How long have you worked at the College? 26 years

What are your job responsibilities? I manage all aspects of the Bachelor of Professional Studies (BPS) program – from admissions to new student orientation to advising to securing faculty and scheduling classes. I also help coordinate the College’s continuing education offerings through the Center for Continuing and Professional Education.

What do you like most about your job? The uniqueness of the students in the BPS program. They all come to this program with unique and wonderful stories, so helping them complete their degree just adds another chapter to their story.

What question do you get asked most in your job and what’s your typical answer? I’m pretty new to this role, but so far it is “What is ‘professional studies’?” The answer is that professional studies is a competency-based practical degree program that challenges students to be innovative critical thinkers while applying classroom concepts to work-related tasks.

What’s your favorite location on campus and why? I love walking across campus “the pretty way,” which is winding across campus past the Sottile House and behind Randolph Hall. Especially in the spring when the sun is shining and the flowers are blooming. It’s so beautiful and peaceful, you can’t help but be in a good mood.

What are your hobbies? I like to read, bake fun-flavored miniature cupcakes, work out and garden. I’m working on adding to my orchid collection. I even transplanted my orchids and none of them died.

What personal and/or professional accomplishment are you most proud of? Most proud of is tough, but I am proud that both of my kids are successful college students and pretty awesome people. My son Tyler walked across the Cistern in May, so as an alumna and faculty member, that was pretty special.

Name a creative work (book, movie, performance, etc.) you enjoyed recently and why? We watched Hamilton on Disney+ as a family the day it came out. It was great because my son is a history major, so he had plenty of commentary and backstory to help us keep up.

What was your favorite TV show growing up? The Smurfs and The Cosby Show

What’s next on your bucket list? Not sure … I have so many buckets.

What is something your campus colleagues would be surprised to know about you? Some of my best friends are college basketball officials, as I do a lot of work with them on health, wellness and injury prevention.

What was your first job? I was a server at a small mom and pop restaurant.

What’s your favorite Lowcountry restaurant? Hank’s

Describe your perfect day: Wake up early. Work out. Create a plan for the day. Knock some things off the to-do list. Finish the day doing something fun with family and friends.

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