Michelle Shanks

Senior Student Program Coordinator, First-Gen Equity & Longhorn Link Program (SSS)
B.F.A., Theatre Studies (Education), University of Texas at Austin
M.Ed., Higher Education Administration, University of Houston

Michelle Shanks is the Senior Student Program Coordinator for First-Generation Equity and the Longhorn Link Program at The University of Texas at Austin. In her roles, Michelle contributes to the overall success of students who identify as first-generation, low-income, and/or students with differing abilities through leading academic, personal and professional workshops for program participants and providing them with structured mentoring experiences, academic and job-coaching services, and referrals to institutional resources/opportunities.

A proud first-generation college graduate herself, Michelle received her undergraduate degree, B.F.A. in Theatre Studies from the University of Texas at Austin and her graduate degree, M.Ed. in Higher Education Administration from the University of Houston(2018). She has previously worked in the Longhorn Center for Academic Equity in various other positions since 2018. Prior to working at LCAE, Michelle spent thirteen years teaching theatre arts to students in Mesquite and Georgetown Independent School Districts