Michelle Van-Ess Grant serves as the Senior Associate Dean of Students for the Centers for Student Equity, Empowerment, and Belonging (The Centers) at Cornell University. In the role, she provides strategic leadership for the Centers’ team, which aims to cultivate co-curricular identity-based programs, resources, and community space. The Centers are comprised of the Asian and Asian-American, LGBT, and Gender Equity Resource Centers, and Black Student Empowerment, First Generation & Low-Income Student Support, Latinx Student Empowerment, Office of Spirituality and Meaning-Making, Undocumented & DACA Student Support Offices. Michelle also serves as the co-chair for the student Bias Assessment and Review Team (BART) 

Michelle holds a B.A. in Communication with a concentration in Broadcasting from Fairleigh Dickinson University, Teaneck Campus. Michelle furthered her education by earning an M.A. in Higher Education Student Affairs with a concentration in Counseling at New York University, and she is currently pursuing her doctoral degree at Northeastern University. Her doctoral research focuses on exploring the lived experiences of black employees at Predominantly White Institutions.

With over 15 years of experience in student affairs, Michelle has excelled in various roles, including student activities, conduct, student outreach, and orientation. As a first-generation college student and the daughter of Ghanaian parents, Michelle brings a unique perspective shaped by her personal experiences.

Outside of her professional endeavors, Michelle finds joy in spending time with her Sorority sisters of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. She also enjoys exploring new activities with her sons, discovering diverse culinary experiences as a family, and indulging in the magic of the movies. Michelle's diverse background and dedication to fostering equity and empowerment significantly contribute to the richness of the Cornell community.