Michelle L. Palacio

Michelle L. Palacio was appointed the Senior Vice President for Strategic Communications, Government and External Affairs in June 2021. Her responsibilities include the development and implementation of the university's marketing and communications strategy, government and community affairs.

Prior to her appointment as Senior Vice President, Michelle served FIU for seven years as the Vice President of Government Relations, where she was responsible for providing strategic leadership for all aspects of government relations at federal, state, and local levels. Under Michelle’s leadership, FIU has received historic legislative funding to support student success, expand research initiatives, and improve community health.

As Vice President, Michelle led the expansion of FIU’s footprint with the launch of a center in Washington, D.C., aimed at increasing the university’s national research agenda and providing students with dynamic academic internships and career opportunities. Michelle is focused on securing FIU’s priorities and highlighting FIU as a key engine of social mobility. This outcomes-based approach has led to direct investments in FIU’s students, faculty, and researchers.

Michelle earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Education from Florida International University in Miami, Florida. She has completed a leadership program at the University of Michigan's Ross School of Business.