Michele M. Trizzino

Michele M. Trizzino is the Associate Director of Administration and Associate Instructor for the Master of Science in Project Management and Master of Science in Construction Administration programs at Columbia University School of Professional Studies, where she leads strategic initiatives that advance graduate education, industry engagement, and workforce development. She provides leadership across program growth, academic operations, enrollment strategy, student success, curriculum innovation, employer partnerships, alumni engagement, and program development. As an academic leader and educator, Trizzino collaborates with faculty, university leadership, and industry executives to connect academic innovation with industry needs and prepare the next generation of project management and built environment professionals.

Under Trizzino’s leadership and program stewardship, the Master of Science in Construction Administration program has been recognized by Intelligent.com and GreatBusinessSchools.com as the #1 Construction Management and Construction Technology program in New York, the Northeast, and the United States, as well as the leading program of its kind among Ivy League institutions. She was instrumental in launching the Master of Science in Project Management program at Columbia University School of Professional Studies, shaping its strategic vision, operational framework, industry alignment, enrollment growth, and student experience from inception. Through these efforts, she has helped advance the program’s growth, visibility, and impact within the project management profession.

A strategic partner to Columbia University Facilities and Operations, Trizzino advances initiatives that connect higher education with industry through workforce development, institutional partnerships, and professional advancement opportunities. She delivered coach training for the 2024-2026 CU Grow: Vendor Development Program, supporting minority-, women-, and locally owned (MWL) firms in expanding business opportunities and competing for institutional contracts. During its first five years, CU Grow helped 84 firms secure more than $102 million in contracts across Columbia’s campuses.

Trizzino’s leadership has been recognized across the construction, academic, and civic communities. She received the 2021 Outstanding Woman Award from the Women Builders Council, the leading association representing women in the construction industry. In 2022, the Columbus Citizens Foundation and ABC7 recognized her academic excellence and professional achievements as an Italian American. She serves on the Scholarship Committee for the Columbus Citizens Foundation, supporting educational advancement and the celebration of Italian-American heritage and achievement.

For more than a decade, Trizzino has invested in leadership development through speech and debate, mentoring students in communication, critical thinking, and advocacy. She has judged national competitions hosted by Columbia University, Harvard University, the University of Pennsylvania, and Yale University, and has served with the New York State Catholic Forensic League, National Catholic Forensic League, Brooklyn Public Library’s Senior Debate League, and the intergenerational debate series Bridging the Gap. At Columbia, she coaches and advises student commencement speakers and participants in SPS Next, a platform showcasing innovative student leaders and changemakers.

Trizzino earned her Bachelor of Science from St. John’s University, graduating summa cum laude as valedictorian of her class. She earned her Master of Science in Human Capital Management from Columbia University School of Professional Studies, where she served as President of the Human Capital Management Club and received multiple SPS Excellence Awards, including Scholar Practitioner of the Year and Program Innovation of the Year. She was also recognized as a finalist for the Heart of a Lion Award and SPS Organization of the Year. In 2024, she was named Valedictorian of the Columbia University School of Professional Studies Class of 2024.

Trizzino’s career reflects a commitment to advancing education, industry collaboration, and leadership development across higher education and the professions.