Biography

Dr. Michelle Fischthal is Vice Chancellor of Institutional Innovation and Effectiveness at the San Diego Community College District, where she leads strategic planning, institutional research, accreditation, data governance, and the integration of emerging technologies, including AI and extended reality, in service of nearly 90,000 students. She launched SDCCD's multi-college AI initiative, which advances faculty-driven professional development, equity-centered governance, and partnerships with San Diego State University and UC San Diego to expand AI literacy and workforce preparation.

Under her leadership, SDCCD became a launch partner in AI-Ready California, the state's first AI literacy micro-credential, developed with the California Labor and Workforce Development Agency and delivered through SDSU Global Campus. Michelle's career includes service as Vice President of Instruction and as Dean of Institutional Effectiveness and of Business and Information Technology and Online Instruction. She is known for connecting strategy with practice and for bringing people together on complex problems. Alongside her district leadership, she coaches leaders and teams through change, building capacity for innovation and inclusive, equity-informed practice.