Faculty

Dr. Rhodes actively advocates for and seeks to build opportunities in robust, individualized, and competency-based learning that is relevant to students and employers alike. She oversees the Bachelor of Integrated Studies (BIS) and the General Studies (GS) Diploma programs, and Michelle collaborates with a multidisciplinary advising and faculty team to support students and maintain program currency. Together, these two programs enroll more than 700 students annually, with BIS graduates regularly securing seats in competitive graduate and professional programs.

Her current role also involves developing and implementing partnership agreements, including ones that provide credit recognition to industry-led training through Prior Learning Assessment (PLAR). Dr. Rhodes works with UFV colleagues and postsecondary partners on transfer agreements into Arts and Integrated Studies programs.

Additionally, Michelle has led and co-led the development of numerous multi-disciplinary and disciplinary programs while at UFV. Most recent among these is the development of the Civic Governance and Innovation Certificate, a credential for municipal and regional government employees that was designed in partnership with the City of Abbotsford. Dr. Rhodes previously facilitated the development of two Bachelor of Environmental Studies degree programs.

A geographer at heart even as a kid, Dr. Rhodes completed her MA and PhD in Geography at Simon Fraser University, and BAs in Political Science and Geography at the University of Montana. Prior to coming to UFV, she was Assistant Professor of Political Science and Geography at the University of Montana-Western. Dr. Rhodes is an Associate Professor in the School of Land Use and Environmental Change and is currently seconded to the College of Arts.
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“Whole symphonies live between here and a distant whatever-we-look-at.” —Richard Hugo (1923-1982)

• PhD, Simon Fraser University, 2002
• MA, Simon Fraser University, 1998
• BA, University of Montana, 1995

Dr. Rhodes is not regularly teaching during the 2020-22 academic years, although she is still involved in teaching as part of special projects or arrangements. Previously, Michelle has taught in a wide range of undergraduate research courses, including honours and directed studies research projects.

• GEOG 111: Environmental Issues
• GEOG 130: Canada
• GEOG/ ECON 242: Economic Geography
• GEOG 300r: Geographies of Health and Disease
• GEOG 311: Global Resources and Environment
• GEOG 433: Selected Regions--The American West (433H); The Great Lakes (433L)
• PORT 399: Portfolio II

Beginning in early 2021, Dr. Rhodes has co-organized a small team of BC/ Yukon faculty who are working to develop a network for educators teaching in provincial and territorial carceral institutions.

Dr. Rhodes's research examines community-led forest management in BC. Her book on the Mission Municipal Forest, The Tree Farm: The Evolution of Canada's Oldest Community Forest, is due out in September 2021. She is a stakeholder representative to the Stave West Forest and Recreation Area (SWFRA) management table which oversees planning for the forest lands west of Stave Lake, and she is a contributor to projects in education and interpretation for the Mission Municipal Forest. Prior research (and likely future research again at some point) has included localized histories and patterns of housing development in small and mid-sized resource communities.