Close
Apply

Dr. Christie Bassett

Trustee

Term: December 30, 2025 – June 30, 2029

Dr. Christie Bassett is an educational consultant, specializing in developing research-based instructional practices, facilitating statewide professional learning programs, and mentoring teachers through instructional and leadership coaching. Bassett’s work is dedicated to helping teachers prepare Florida’s students for college, careers or military service, reflecting her ongoing commitment to educational excellence and her leadership in advancing teaching quality.

A sixth-generation Floridian, Bassett describes herself as a proud military spouse, mother and educator.

She began her career in education 24 years ago in Lakeland, Florida. As an elementary art teacher, she integrated mathematics, science, literature and writing into her art curriculum to support her students’ artistic growth through cross-curricular instruction. Her innovative approach to art education was recognized when she was named the 2014 Polk County Teacher of the Year and the 2015 Florida Teacher of the Year.

Bassett served on Florida’s Education Practices Commission and was a member of Gov. Rick Scott’s Keep Florida Learning Committee. In 2023, she received the Military Spouse Student Leadership Award, recognizing her leadership in enhancing higher education experiences and her influence within military and academic circles.

She holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education from Florida Southern College and a doctorate in education from Walden University.

After living outside Florida during her husband’s active-duty military service, Bassett now resides in Bartow with her husband and two children, maintaining strong ties to the state and community.

Explore Academics
Programs
Resources
Support
Explore Admissions
Undergraduate
Graduate
Helpful Links
Explore Student Life
Campus
Opportunities
Services
Explore Research
Research
Curriculum
Explore Alumni
Get Connected
Explore Florida Poly
Learn More
Who We Are
Resources
Session Details

This session will demonstrate that practical risk management is for everyone, regardless of a formal program. Attendees will learn actionable and simple strategies that are easy to implement, enabling them to start immediately by focusing on their top risks to build greater operational resilience and ensure the sustained success of their auxiliary enterprises.

Presenter Profile

Michelle Powell serves as the pioneering Risk Manager at Florida Polytechnic University, the state’s sole 100% STEM-dedicated institution. Having been with the university for nearly 11 years, Michelle transitioned from a leadership role in Admissions in October 2023 to establish and evolve the risk management function from the ground up. In this solo capacity, Michelle builds robust frameworks for our dynamic, young university, overseeing our insurance portfolio, consulting on third-party and event risks, and developing critical campus-wide training programs. Michelle has obtained the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations (COSO) Enterprise Risk Management certificate and the Associate in Risk Management (ARM) and Construction Risk and Insurance Specialist (CRIS) designations. Her distinct background in mathematics and engineering, combined with extensive higher education leadership, brings an analytical and strategic approach enhancing the institution’s resilience.