The Unplanned Career of a University Strategist

“I never dreamed I would be here 20 years after starting my PhD program, but can't imagine being anywhere else,” Riegle said. “I feel great pride as an alumna and staff member at U-M.”

A zoology major in college, Riegle entered the field of higher education through recreational sports as an undergraduate student and later as a graduate assistant and professional. The joy of mentoring college students and creating programs, brought her to enroll at the Center for the Study of Higher and Postsecondary Education (CSHPE).

As a student, Riegle worked several part-time jobs at the university including in the Office of Undergraduate Admissions and the Office of Government Relations. After reaching candidacy, she secured a full-time position in faculty affairs at the College of Engineering where her work overlapped heavily with her dissertation topic. Her transition after graduating from CSHPE was a smooth one. Riegle went on to work in the Provost’s Office for nine years, as Assistant Vice Provost for Budgetary Affairs and later as Chief of Staff.

“Much of my success at U-M is from taking on unique experiences that got me out and around campus,” she said.

In her current position at OEM, Riegle works at the intersection of strategic planning, special projects, and organizational development (her concentration at CSHPE). Established in 2014, the Office of Enrollment Management employs over 200 full-time staff, 100 temporary staff, and 300 student staff. Riegle directly oversees the department’s human resources and budget, finance, and facilities teams, and works closely with OEM unit directors.

“Much of my role requires innovative thinking, cross-campus connections, and high-level organization. Often, the results of my work directly impact student experiences, which is highly rewarding,” she said.

Her advice to students who may be interested in working at U-M after graduation is simple—be curious and seek out as many opportunities as you can.