Dr. Michele Ernst is currently the Chief Academic Officer for Globe Education Network, which operates 18 campuses primarily in the Midwest. Prior to joining Globe Education Network, Michele worked for ITT Educational Services as the National Director of Academic Affairs and before that she served as the Director of ITT Technical Institute in Eden Prairie, MN. A passionate career educator, Michele has taught both residential and online classes. Using her 17 years of progressive experience in the career college sector, she has created and implemented successful training programs for deans, associate deans, program chairs and instructors with a focus on faculty performance management and student retention.

Michele earned her Doctorate in Education from Hamline University in St. Paul, MN. She holds an MA degree in Communication Studies from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and a BA degree in Communication Arts from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. For her doctoral research, Michele studied why for-profit career colleges move from national to regional accreditation and the implications to higher education. Michele is an active member of the Minnesota Career College Association and a board member for the Minnesota ACE Network. Michele, her husband Jeff and their 12 year old triplets enjoy spending time at their family cabin on Lake Vermilion in Northern Minnesota.