Biography

Michelle Fontes is the Assistant Vice President in Community, Equity, and Diversity at the University of Rhode Island. She began her college journey after taking time following high school to work, an experience that helped her realize the value of higher education. She later returned to school through the Talent Development program, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies and later continued on to complete her master’s degree in Adult Education at URI. Since joining the university in 2007, Michelle has served in multiple roles across campus, building a career centered on access, equity, and student support. Her professional path reflects persistence, lifelong learning, and a strong commitment to helping students succeed. As a mentor, she is especially dedicated to supporting first-generation students, encouraging them to persevere and reminding them that they are not alone. She advises students to use their resources when they need support and not to try to figure everything out alone.