Michelle Bligh

Michelle Bligh is the Interim President and Professor of Organizational Behavior at Claremont Graduate University (CGU), where she leads the Division of Behavioral & Organizational Sciences. Her research focuses on leadership dynamics, organizational culture transformation, and charismatic leadership, particularly in post-merger contexts. She holds a BA in Anthropology from Pomona College and advanced degrees in Management & Organizational Behavior from SUNY Buffalo.

Bligh’s work bridges academia and practice, advising public and private sector organizations on leadership development and cultural change. She collaborates with institutions like the Kravis Leadership Institute at Claremont McKenna College and the Center for Leadership Innovation and Mentorship Building (CLIMB) at CSU San Marcos, engaging industries ranging from law enforcement to healthcare. Her research emphasizes follower-centric approaches, trust dynamics, and the intersection of gender and leadership.

Awards:

• 2003 Sage Outstanding Paper Award for Research Methods

Advising & Grants: While specific student advisees are not listed, her contributions include co-editing special journal issues and books on leadership, such as the 2009 tribute to James R. Meindl. Her grants and institutional roles reflect a focus on leadership education and systemic change.

Labs & Teams: Key affiliations include the Kravis Leadership Institute, CLIMB, and the Center for International Leadership in Buffalo. These platforms support her work in leadership training, cross-cultural management, and organizational resilience.