Mike Gutierrez is a Teaching Associate Professor at the Howard H. Baker Jr. School of Public Policy and Public Affairs at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. He specializes in public administration and emergency management and brings professional experience in local, state, and federal government, including service as a Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) caseworker, law enforcement officer, and leader of municipal boards. A former Army Ranger and U.S. Army veteran, Gutierrez integrates leadership and service into his teaching.

He has previously taught at Massachusetts Maritime Academy, Nova Southeastern University, and Lamar University. Gutierrez holds a Ph.D. in public administration and management from the University of North Texas.