Michelle Cureton hired as Dean of Community Engagement and Belonging

Michelle Cureton has been hired as the school's inaugural Dean of Community Engagement and Belonging.    

Cureton comes to ULS from Lake Orion Community Schools, where she serves as the district's diversity, equity, and inclusion coordinator and is responsible for 10 schools, serving nearly 7,000 students. She has worked in the district for 18 years in myriad roles, including as a social studies teacher, summer school coordinator and principal. In her current role in Lake Orion, she advises the Cultural Outreach Club, the Black Student Union, the Courageous Conversations Club, the Muslim Students Association Club, and previously was a chapter adviser for the National Honor Society.  

Cureton's hire concludes a year-long process in which the school worked with consulting and search partners at the Storbeck Group. Working with an internal search committee of administrators, faculty and staff members, the Storbeck Group presented a national field of dozens of outstanding candidates, several of whom were interviewed by the search committee. 

"We were all impressed by Michelle's deep experience and skill set; positive and inclusive approach to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging work; and strong ability to communicate proactively and productively with diverse groups," said Bart Bronk, Head of School.

In addition to leading ULS's efforts to celebrate diversity; increase the sense of belonging felt by faculty, students and families; support and expand cultural competency among faculty and staff; and facilitate student, faculty, and parent groups devoted to these topics, Cureton will teach junior and senior social studies electives in the Upper School. She will sit on the school's senior administrative council and report directly to the Head of School.