Michelle Fillinger Schamp named Associate Dean and Executive Director of Residence Life

Lamoni, Iowa – Michelle Fillinger ’97 Schamp  has been named Associate Dean and Executive Director of Residence Life at Graceland University. In this role, she will provide leadership for the university’s residence life program, including oversight of the House System, while fostering a residential experience that supports student learning, leadership, and community.

Michelle brings more than two decades of experience in higher education and student affairs, with an extensive background in residence life, student success, leadership development, case management, and academic support. Throughout her career she has held leadership positions at the University of Wyoming, the University of Minnesota-Morris, Concordia University Wisconsin, the University of South Dakota, and Northern Illinois University. Her experience includes supervising professional staff, leading student leadership initiatives, managing budgets, student conduct processes, and developing programs that promote student engagement and success.

A proud Graceland University alumna, Michelle earned her bachelor’s degree in Speech Communications from Graceland before completing a master’s degree in Educational Administration with an emphasis in Student Affairs at the University of South Dakota.

Michelle has been deeply involved in the profession through leadership roles, conference presentations, residence life organizations, advisor responsibilities, and student leadership development. Her commitment to student learning, inclusive communities, and mentorship has earned recognition throughout her career, including the University of Wyoming’s Shepard Symposium on Social Justice Outstanding Service Award.

Returning to Graceland is both a professional milestone and a personal homecoming for Michelle. She is excited to invest in the next generation of Yellowjackets by fostering meaningful relationships, empowering student leaders, and helping create a vibrant residential community where every student can grow, connect, succeed and belong. She looks forward to advancing Graceland’s mission of transforming lives through engaged learning, caring relationships, and a strong sense of belonging.