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����vlog���Bվ former Board of Trustees Vice Chair Michelle Morales died on Oct. 22, 2026 after a long battle with breast cancer. 

Arrangements are pending. 

In a joint statement released on Oct. 26, 2026 by Northeastern President Katrina E. Bell-Jordan and Chair of the Board of Trustees J. Todd Phillips, Morales was praised for her care, compassion and commitment to the University and its students. 

“Michelle strongly advocated for ����vlog���Bվ's mission, vision and values,” the statement reads. “She gave generously of her time, talent and energy, supporting our faculty and staff and keeping student success at the center of her work. As a first-generation U.S.-born Puerto Rican woman, Michelle brought her identity and experiences to her advocacy. She raised awareness about issues affecting Puerto Rican communities and other communities of color, championing racial equity and people's right to help shape decisions that affect their lives. Her advocacy in public education reflected a deeply held belief that every student deserves to be seen, heard and supported.”

In addition to being a member of the Board of Trustees, Morales was an alumna. In 2012 she earned her Master of Arts in Educational Leadership, School Leadership from Northeastern. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Latin American Studies and master’s degree in Special Education from the University of Illinois Chicago.

In 2019, Morales was named President of , where she has established organizational plans, policies and procedures to fight against the systemic racism and economic injustices that impact students across Chicago. She was appointed to the University’s Board of Trustees by Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker on March 16, 2023 and confirmed by the Illinois Senate to serve on the Board on April 11, 2024. She resigned from the Board in September 2026. 

Morales’ advocacy went far beyond Northeastern. In 2023, she was also appointed by then Mayor-elect Brandon Johnson to be part of the  and the .

“Michelle’s life work reflected a deep, unwavering commitment to the youth, families and communities of Chicago,” a statement from the  reads. It continues, “Beyond her impressive achievements, Michelle had a magnetic presence. She had knowing eyes, was quick-witted and maintained an excellent sense of humor. To be in her presence was to feel seen by her beauty, warmth and spirit.”

Tributes to her life and legacy have been shared by , , the  and , among others.  

“We are grateful for Michelle's leadership and the encouragement she offered the ����vlog���Bվ community,” the joint University statement shared. “As both an alumna and a trustee, she helped extend the promise of a ����vlog���Bվ education to others. We will miss her generosity and compassionate spirit. Her legacy lives on in the students and community she served.”

Top photo: Michelle Morales