Alumni / Milestones in Diversity / Michael Gibbs

Michael Gibbs ’87

Michael Gibbs ’87 is the Director and Project Manager for Intercontinental Exchange (ICE), a business and finance company based in Atlanta, Georgia. Originally from McClellanville, South Carolina, Mr. Gibbs dreamed of going to dental school and considered the College of Charleston and Hampton University for his premedical education. He chose the College because of its rich history, charming campus, and he “figured it would be close to home..”

Mr. Gibbs receiving his diploma
at commencement in 1987

Mr. Gibbs enjoyed the College’s academic rigor and said, “I loved the challenge from professors and I got the best education for the money, which is one of the things I cherish most.” Aside from classroom lessons, he learned interpersonal skills, how to make decisions, and how big things come together. He also served as President of the College’s Student Union for Minority Affairs. Mr. Gibbs loved all those he met at the College: “People from all walks of life, bright-eyed, bushy-tailed students, and people who were full of life.” Rather than continue his plans for dental school, he graduated with a degree in Classics. Almost 20 years ago, he started working in financial technology. In his current position, he is responsible for the websites and mobile trading platforms for ICE and the New York Stock Exchange.

For current students, Mr. Gibbs has this advice: “If you apply yourself, you can really make the most of your time at the College. Realize the opportunities you have at hand and take advantage of them. Strive to do better, don’t settle for just anything, and always have aspirations to do more. Keep your options open, and, most importantly, look for options.”