Michael Ristich

Michael Ristich is an Academic Specialist and Lecturer at Michigan State University, serving as Director of the Citizen Scholars Program in the College of Arts & Letters since January 2024. He holds a Ph.D. from Wayne State University (2013) and a B.A. from Western Michigan University (2005).

His research focuses on curriculum design, effective teaching practices, and intersections of rhetorical and critical theory. He has taught extensively in the Citizen Scholars Program, Department of Writing, Rhetoric, and Cultures, and the Center of Integrative Studies in the Arts and Humanities.

Ristich previously served as Online Curriculum Coordinator for MSU’s First-Year Writing Program, recognized as a national model of excellence by the Conference on College Composition and Communication (2022-2023). His leadership emphasizes expanding student opportunities in research, study abroad, and community engagement.

• Awards: #iteachmsu Educator Award (2020)
• Key Roles: Director of Citizen Scholars Program, First-Year Writing Program coordination
• Labs/Teams: Citizen Scholars Program, First-Year Writing Program