Remembering Former Northeastern Illinois University Board of Trustees Member Michelle Morales
Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2026
Northeastern Illinois University 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 NEIU'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 Woods Fund Chicago, 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 Chicago for the People Transition Committee and the Chicago Board of Education.
“Michelle’s life work reflected a deep, unwavering commitment to the youth, families and communities of Chicago,” a statement from the Chicago Board of Education 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 Mayor Brandon Johnson, Chicago City Clerk Anna M. Valencia, the Chicago Teachers Union and Raise Your Hand for Illinois Public Education, among others.
Morales is survived by her parents; her husband, Scott Green; children Alyssa, Timothy and Xavier (who is a current Northeastern student); siblings Christy and Pito, and many nieces, nephews, colleagues and friends.
“We are grateful for Michelle's leadership and the encouragement she offered the NEIU community,” the joint University statement shared. “As both an alumna and a trustee, she helped extend the promise of a Northeastern Illinois University 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