Chapman Connections
Strategic Consulting for Co-Curricular Program Development & Growth
What we do
At Chapman Connections, we specialize in helping individuals and organizations transform ideas into meaningful outcomes. By bridging the gap between vision and execution, we provide strategic guidance, clear planning, and personalized support to bring your goals to life. Whether you're looking to align your ideas with desired results or turn aspirations into reality, we work alongside you to ensure success every step of the way. Let’s take your vision, connect it to action, and create results that matter.
Meet Michelle Chapman: My Story & the Vision Behind Chapman Connections
I come from a background deeply rooted in education and student development. With both my undergraduate degree and Ed.M. in education, I spent 15 years teaching in the public school system, shaping young minds and fostering a passion for learning. While education was my foundation, I was also drawn to the business world, where I had the opportunity to work in diverse industries—including a public hospital, a veterinary research and development company, and a rapidly growing water activity company.
At the water activity company, we hired over 200 employees in just two years due to massive growth. During that time, I saw firsthand how intelligent, highly skilled professionals—particularly software and firmware engineers—thrived or struggled based on their transferable skills, teamwork, and ability to collaborate effectively. It became clear that technical expertise alone wasn’t enough—the ability to communicate, problem-solve, and work within a team was just as critical for success.
When I joined the Carson College of Business at Washington State University, it was at the perfect moment—the college was ready to put their vision into action for a required co-curricular career development program. I knew I had to be part of it! This was exactly what I had wished for our new hires—a structured approach to developing professional competencies before entering the workforce.
Together, we built a comprehensive career development program spanning five campuses, tailored to students at all stages—from global students balancing full-time work and family commitments to first-year students navigating their first collegiate experiences. We created a playbook for student success, bridging the gap between education and career readiness.
What I love most about this work is how it breaks down silos and fosters collaboration, awareness, and engagement. A strong co-curricular program doesn’t just benefit students—it transforms institutional culture, creating a community where faculty, staff, and industry partners work together to equip students with the skills they need to succeed long after graduation.
This vision is what led me to launch Chapman Connections—to help institutions develop, implement, and refine high-impact co-curricular programs that empower students and strengthen career readiness.