#116 Creating Empowering Spaces with Dr. Michelle Buggs

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Dr. Michelle Buggs, a seasoned higher education administrator with nearly 20 years of experience, to explore her journey of transforming educational environments and championing student success.

 

Michelle shares how her own college experience gave her the support and visibility she had longed for—igniting a passion to create those same empowering spaces for others. From a life-shaping study abroad trip in London to a pivotal nudge from a mentor to pursue her doctorate, Michelle opens up about the personal moments that fueled her professional growth.

 

We dive into her impactful research on peer leadership roles in higher education and how they significantly influence student retention and GPA—highlighting the power of student-to-student connection.

 

Throughout our conversation, Michelle reflects on the value of checking in with loved ones, challenging limiting beliefs, and embracing imperfection. With wisdom and warmth, she shares her thoughts on thoughtful communication, receiving feedback with love, and cultivating relationships grounded in kindness and faith.

 

If you're passionate about education, leadership, or simply becoming more intentional in how you show up for yourself and others—this episode is for you.

 

Key Discussions:

• Passion for Higher Education and Growth
  Michelle shares her transformative experience in higher education and her resilience during a study abroad program in London.

• The Power of Checking In
  Importance of checking in on loved ones, overcoming limiting beliefs, treating dissertation as a committed relationship, and the impact of peer leadership on student success.

• Cultivating Positive Thinking and Values
  Self-awareness, relationships, and kindness are important, as well as faith and intentional thinking, in navigating life's challenges and showing love and recognition.

• Cultivating Love Through Thoughtful Communication
  Embracing imperfection, receiving feedback with love, leading with respect, and acknowledging and uplifting others in our thirties.

More about Michelle:

Dr. Michelle Buggs grew up in Lake Dallas, Texas, a small suburb in the Dallas/ Ft. Worth Metroplex, located between Lewisville and Denton, and is a graduate of Lake Dallas High School.

 

In 2006, she received her Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. During her time at UTD she was active in several student organizations, including Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, the School of Management Honors Program, and was an Education Abroad participant. While she excelled in the classroom, her true passion was interacting with her peers through student organizations and community activities. 

 

Michelle went on to earn a Master of Arts degree in College Student Personnel from Bowling Green State University in May 2008. From there she has served in several professional roles in the higher education field, including Assistant Director of Intercultural Services and Director of Undergraduate Academic Programs at Texas Woman's University. Michelle then went on to earn her Doctor of Education degree in Higher Education from the University of North Texas in May 2015. 

 

In September 2019, Dr. Buggs transitioned to