Michelle Starkman was appointed AJU’s Vice President of Communications in March 2020. In this role, she not only leads the university’s internal and external communications strategies, including media relations, but also plays a pivotal role in the marketing and implementation of university programming. Michelle is deeply committed to Jewish education and actively promotes the values and mission of AJU through her work. Michelle’s extensive experience in communications and marketing spans beyond her time at AJU. Prior to joining the university in 2017, she served as the Admissions and Marketing Director at a local Jewish day school, where she excelled in strategic planning and outreach efforts, making a tangible impact on the institution’s growth. Before that, Michelle held the position of Director of Marketing and Communications at a local management consulting firm, where she gained valuable expertise in crafting effective messaging and executing comprehensive marketing campaigns. Earlier in her career, she also held an administrative role at Cal State Northridge, where she first developed a strong appreciation and affinity for higher education. Complementing her practical experience, Michelle holds an MBA from Pepperdine’s Graziadio School of Business, equipping her with a strong foundation in business strategy and leadership. Furthermore, she earned an M.A. and B.A. in Political Science from Cal State Northridge, with a minor in Judaic Studies, demonstrating her dedication to deepening her understanding of Jewish culture and history