Dr. Michelle Rodgers is a testament to dedication, continually pursuing her education despite the hardships standing in her way. Even when the difficult life circumstances of a cancer diagnosis made the pursuit of her education difficult, Michelle carried on because she was driven to achieve her goal. “It was about proving to myself that even in life’s hardest seasons, it is still possible to finish what you started,” Michelle explains. Michelle earned her Specialist in Education (EdS) and Doctorate of Education (EdD) in Educational Administration and Supervision in 2026.

“It was about proving to myself that even in life’s hardest seasons, it is still possible to finish what you started.”

Michelle’s educational journey began in 2020 and stretched through a global pandemic, two cancer diagnoses, chemotherapy, and the daily responsibility of leading a school. It took longer than expected, and there were moments when quitting felt like the easiest choice. But Michelle learned the lesson that “Resilience is often misunderstood as dramatic strength. In reality, it is quieter. It looks like opening your laptop when you are exhausted. It looks like writing through brain fog. It looks like continuing to move forward when progress feels painfully slow.”

Lessons Learned in Education

Michelle, who was originally inspired by her high school principal and assistant principal to pursue degrees in education and school administration, knows how important the role of a school administrator truly is. Her time with Ball State Online helped her realize that even more.

During her summer internship, when she interviewed the directors of all the departments in her school system, she developed a greater understanding of the importance of each role, better preparing her for the realities of her career. “There is no one person who is more important than the other,” Michelle says, “Everyone must work together.” This mindset makes for strong leadership.

Currently, Michelle is working as an elementary school principal. She credits her time at Ball State with preparing her for the responsibilities of a leadership role. “Even more importantly,” Michelle considers, “it prepared me for being a better servant leader.”

Influential Educators and Beneficial Aspects of the Program

Michelle particularly appreciated that the Ball State program was entirely online. With her career and later, her cancer treatments, she was unable to do an in-person or even a hybrid program. Having the flexibility of an entirely online education was a major contributing factor to her success. When asked about the new 7-week courses being introduced, she shares, “I think 7-week courses are beneficial for working people because they have limited time, and if it allows them to finish a program earlier, that is great.”

During Michelle’s education at Ball State, she encountered several teachers who provided ongoing support. She particularly calls attention to Dr. Salloum and Dr. Shaffer, who she says were instrumental in her continuing with her program after her cancer diagnoses. “They supported me and believed in me, even when I didn’t believe in myself.”

Michelle’s Proud Accomplishments

Michelle is proud to have completed her degree while also being treated for cancer twice over the course of three years. “If my story can help others understand that they are capable of more than they know, then I have succeeded,” she says.

“If my story can help others understand that they are capable of more than they know, then I have succeeded.”