Michelle L. Hoffer, RDH, MPHN, E.d.D

Dr. Michelle Hoffer holds a Doctor of Education in Leadership for Educational Equity from the University of Colorado Denver, a Master of Public Health Nutrition from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, and a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene from Loma Linda University. Her doctoral research examined food insecurity and college persistence, reflecting her long-standing commitment to equity, student success, and community well-being.

Dr. Hoffer is a seasoned higher education leader with more than 18 years of instructional experience and nearly a decade of progressive academic leadership at the Community College of Denver (CCD).

She currently serves as Department Chair for Health & Wellness, Public Health, and Health Professions, where she provides strategic leadership for multiple academic programs and certificates. In this role, she is recognized for designing, launching, and expanding innovative academic and Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs that align with workforce needs, student outcomes, and institutional priorities. She has served in numerous institutional leadership roles across the college and is known for her collaborative, equity-minded approach to program development and student success initiatives.

In addition to her administrative responsibilities, Dr. Hoffer continues to teach Human Nutrition, one of her favorite courses, where she shares her passion for health, wellness, and nutrition with students across a variety of career pathways. Prior to becoming a full-time faculty member, she served as an adjunct instructor at CCD and previously taught clinical and didactic courses in dental hygiene, including nutrition, medical emergencies, ethics, and dietary counseling.

Before entering higher education, Dr. Hoffer worked in full-time clinical practice as a Registered Dental Hygienist and developed extensive professional presentation experience. Her presentations have included health and wellness sessions for regional law enforcement training academies, youth sports nutrition workshops for the Colorado High School Mountain Bike League and partner programs, and oral–systemic health presentations co-presented with dental professionals.

Outside of her professional work, Dr. Hoffer is an active volunteer and community advocate. She has served with organizations such as Give Kids a Smile, COMOM, Ride for Reading, and Impact 360. An avid cyclist and outdoor enthusiast, she enjoys biking, hiking, backcountry skiing, and snowboarding. Each fall, she volunteers as a Level 2 mountain bike coach with the Colorado High School Mountain Bike League, mentoring young athletes in skill development and sports nutrition.