Michelle Riggio Rarick

Education

Masters Degree in Special Education (Bradley University, 2012)

Bachelor of Science in Education (Illinois State University, 2004)

Bachelor of Science in Journalism (Bradley University, 1993)

Biography

Michelle Riggio Rarick serves as Executive Director of Continuing Education and Professional Development at Bradley University, where she leads the University’s non-credit education portfolio serving professionals, youth, employers, and lifelong learners. Her work focuses on strategic growth, workforce and professional development, community engagement, and expanding access to high-quality learning opportunities beyond traditional degree programs.

An award-winning staff leader, Rarick has helped guide significant growth and innovation across Bradley’s continuing education programs, including its nationally affiliated Osher Lifelong Learning Institute. She serves as Bradley’s lead for the federal grant-funded IT Workforce Accelerator, directing the University’s work on the development and delivery of workforce-focused microcredentials. Bradley exceeded all program goals, including targets for enrollment, completion, and employment outcomes in the first round of that grant.

Rarick chairs the University Senate Committee on Continuing Education and has contributed to numerous university-wide initiatives related to accreditation and employee engagement. She is an experienced presenter and facilitator who has led workshops for the Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes National Resource Center and at regional and national lifelong learning conferences.

She holds a master’s degree in education. Prior to joining Bradley in 2008, she served as a Legislative and Governmental Relations Director, Public Information Officer, and a special education teacher.