Michelle Shelite approached life one day at a time. In 1979, she married while in high school and soon after brought her firstborn into the world. Shelite held a steady job at the local grocery store in Alva, Okla. Her focus was never far beyond the immediate future. The primary goal was simple: earn enough to support and provide for her family.
A Nudge Toward Northwestern
One afternoon, Shelite was resting at home after a long day of work when her good friend, Shelly (Ridings) Battisti, showed up at her door.
“Come on, let’s go to the college and get you enrolled,” said Battisti.
Battisti and Shelite were inseparable growing up. They had attended school together from a young age and watched each other get married and start families of their own.
As a newlywed and young mother, Shelite thought college was off the table. She dreamed of becoming a teacher; however, she simply did not know the steps needed to become one. She went on with life and started a career at the local grocery store.
“Ironically, during my childhood both of my parents worked at Northwestern as support staff,” said Shelite. “Although my parents worked there, it was never spoken of as an opportunity to grow or gain a career.”
At 27 years old, Shelite walked into the registrar’s office with Battisti by her side to see what was needed to become a college student. The next day, Shelite was officially enrolled and ready to follow her dream of becoming a teacher.
Recruitment can come in different ways, even when a friend gives an encouraging push.
Although Battisti did not attend Northwestern, she had deep ties as the wife of then Northwestern head men’s basketball coach, Bob Battisti.
Battisti stood by Shelite’s side to witness her accomplish the dreams that years before she had no idea would be possible.
“We were tied at the hip,” said Battisti. “If you saw one of us, the other one was not far behind. We have been close friends since the day we met in seventh grade.”
“Shelly showing up on my doorstep was the exact turnaround my life needed,” said Shelite.
Empowered by Mentorship
Battisti’s encouragement was instrumental in motivating Shelite to attend college. Once there, it was the ongoing support of Dr. Yvonne Carmichael, then Chair of the Physical Education Department, that inspired her to persevere and continue her academic journey.
“Dr. Carmichael supported me and helped me see myself as someone with the ability to make a difference,” said Shelite. “She wasn’t my academic advisor, but she became a personal advisor. Since then, I aspired to impact students the way she impacted me.”
Shelite graduated from Northwestern in 1993, knowing it was just the beginning of a new chapter. Confident in her potential, she took on the challenge of furthering her education while raising three children. After moving her family to Daphne, Ala., she received her master’s degree in sports science from The United States Sports Academy in 1994.
“Moving to Alabama was a huge step for my children and me,” said Shelite. “We packed up everything and headed to a place where we knew no one.”
The one-year span of moving away and receiving her master’s degree helped Shelite come at life with a fresh perspective once she moved back to Oklahoma. From 1994 to 1998, Shelite served as a program manager for vocational rehabilitation at Arrowhead West in Medicine Lodge, Kan. She then dedicated her career to public education, serving in the roles of teacher, counselor, coach and principal.
While working full time as the assistant principal at Putnam City (Okla.) High School, Shelite pursued a second master’s degree in administrative leadership from Oklahoma State University. She graduated in 2012.
Personal Lesson Becomes Professional Passion
For 25 years, Shelite worked in public education and impacted thousands of students.
“Most importantly, I feel truly blessed to have supported and guided multiple generations of students throughout my journey. They have always been the reason behind my dedication to becoming an educator.
“My goal was to use the knowledge and skills I gained to help students discover their own paths in life. I never wanted any student to feel lost or uncertain about how to reach their goals.”
Education and the colleagues it placed in Shelite’s life helped her grow both academically and personally. Shelite never gave up and always looked forward to the challenges placed in front of her. The work ethic instilled in her from a young age as a grocery store employee and mother of three resulted in her lifelong career in public education.
Looking back, she realizes that one impulsive moment and encouragement from her friend completely changed the course of her life for the better. The push to succeed has been a lesson Shelite has employed as an educator.
Shelite is now the relationship manager for the Northwestern Foundation & Alumni Association. She is responsible for scholarship agreements, long term relationships and shaping the expectations of donors after they invest in Northwestern.
One event she directs is the annual Thank-a-Thon event, where students write personalized thank you notes and make phone calls to donors.