Michael was born in Corpus Christi and raised in McAllen and Brownsville, where he attended public schools throughout his youth. He received a B.A. degree from Stanford University and a Ph.D. degree from Harvard University. Since 1999 he has served on the faculty at Trinity University in San Antonio. The author of three books and numerous articles, his research and teaching focus on twentieth-century American literature and cultural history. He and his wife, Celina Peña, are the parents of two boys: Alejo, a third-grader in the San Antonio ISD, and Américo, SAISD class of 2028.

In 2010, Michael was elected to the State Board of Education in District 3. For his work on the State Board, the Texas Freedom Network honored him with the "Hero for Children" award in 2011. Because of redistricting, he will seek the Democratic Party nomination and reelection in 2012.

Public Service

• San Antonio Education Partnership board member

• Gemini Ink board member

• San Antonio ISD Community-based Facilities Task Force member (former)

• National Hispanic Institute trustee (former)

• Trinity University Press editorial board (former)

• Woodlawn Elementary (San Antonio ISD) PTA member

 
Employment and Experience

• Associate Professor at Trinity University

• Director of the McNair Scholars Program

• Chair of the University Curriculum Council (former)

• Experienced and dedicated teacher

• Award-winning scholar and author of three books and numerous articles

Education

• James Pace High School (Brownsville)

• Stanford University: B.A. with honors

• Harvard University: Ph.D.