Dr. Joel Michaelis

Vice President of Instruction

Dr. Joel Michaelis serves as Vice President of Instruction at Southeast Community College, guiding the college’s academic vision, curriculum development, and instructional excellence. In this role, he leads a division of more than 300 full-time faculty, several hundred adjunct instructors, and academic deans across SCC’s campuses, ensuring programs remain responsive to regional workforce demands and community needs.

With more than 30 years of experience in education, Dr. Michaelis began his journey in the classroom as a sixth-grade mathematics teacher before transitioning into higher education leadership. Prior to joining SCC, he served as Vice President of Academic Affairs and Chief Academic Officer at Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College, and held executive leadership roles in Texas as Vice President of Instruction at Hill College and Dean of Navarro College South. Across every campus he has served, he has prioritized instructional quality, student retention, and innovative pathways that connect classroom learning to practical career outcomes.

Dr. Michaelis earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Management from Texas A&M University, a Master of Education from the University of Texas, and a Doctor of Education in Higher Education Administration from Baylor University. A proud father and grandfather, he brings a deeply personal dedication to the transformative power of accessible education, partnering with educators and community stakeholders to strengthen opportunities across southeast Nebraska.