Michelle E. Nisle

Michelle E. Nisle JD ’04 received the University of Oregon’s Becky L. Sisley Award, in honor of her community involvement, career development, and support of the university’s ideals as a former student-athlete. Transferring from Iowa State, Nisle joined the UO volleyball team at a time when the program was struggling to find its feet. She played the 1998 and 1999 seasons as a middle blocker, leading the Ducks in total blocks and block assists in her senior year. Nisle went on to pursue a career in law, serving as a deputy prosecuting attorney for 12 years in Washington, first in Cowlitz County and then in Clark County. She worked in the Domestic Violence Prosecution Unit and as prosecution leader of the Elder Justice Center, where she sought convictions of those charged with physically or economically abusing seniors and incapacitated individuals. Nisle’s community service includes helping to represent pro bono a Native American tribe in a matter that was crucial to its cultural center, serving as a board member of the Humane Society for Southwest Washington, and mentoring current student-athletes. She and her husband Ryan live in Vancouver, Washington.