Dr. Michelle M. Gerdes Lecturer Program Director, First Year and Beyond Center for Enhanced Performance michelle.gerdes [at] westpoint.edu About Education Research & Publications Dr. Michelle Gerdes joined the United States Military Academy (USMA) as an assistant softball coach. In 2006, she transitioned to the Center for Enhanced Performance (CEP) while simultaneously working part-time in Academic Affairs for the Office of the Dean. She became a full-time instructor at CEP in 2012. Dr. Gerdes oversees the First Year and Beyond program and international cadet academic programming. She teaches the Student Success and the Reading Efficiency courses. She also serves as an officer representative for the women's softball team. A passionate sports fan, Dr. Gerdes is a devoted Steelers fan and enthusiastically supports all Pittsburgh and Army teams. She enjoys traveling and has visited all fifty states. Ed.D. in Developmental Education - Grambling State UniversityM.Ed. in School Counseling - LIUM.Ed. in Math Education - Duquesne UniversityB.A. in Sociology/Anthropology - Colgate University Research Interests Academic Success in Higher Education, Academic Support for Nontraditional Students, Student-Athlete Persistence in College