Bringing over a decade of experience in strategic diversity leadership and university administration to her role as At-Large Director, Michelle Bryan is a passionate scholar-practitioner committed to servant leadership and the pursuit of inclusive excellence in higher education.

Michelle began her journey in administrative leadership as chair of the Department of Advanced Studies and Innovation at Augusta University in Georgia and currently serves as Associate Vice President for Access and Opportunity at the University of South Carolina. Prior to becoming AVP, Michelle served as Associate Dean for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the College of Education and chair of the University’s Council of Academic Diversity Officers.

In her role as AVP, Michelle draws on her background as a sociologist of education, qualitative methodologist, and program evaluator to lead her team in bridging the Office’s vision and strategy. She is responsible for creating, implementing, and assessing capacity-building and leadership development programs, as well as executing critical institutional initiatives aligned with presidential priorities.

In addition to serving on several university-wide councils, committees, and advisory boards as well as leading the University’s Shared Equity Leadership Team, Michelle is an active member of the National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education and the National Conference on Race and Ethnicity in Higher Education.