Dean of Students

The Office of the Dean of Students fosters an inclusive environment that encourages holistic student engagement, development, and success inside and outside of the classroom. Through the creation of a strong campus community in which people from all cultures, backgrounds, and perspectives feel welcome and celebrated, we encourage students to become active citizens of Hofstra and the world. The Dean of Students Office promotes responsible and ethical decision-making that demonstrates integrity and respect for self and others.

In order to help students reach their academic, professional, and personal goals, the Dean of Students Office directly supports the staff members who direct the following offices: Student Advocacy and Prevention Awareness; Community Standards; HofstraCard Services; the Interfaith Center; Commuting Student Services and Community Outreach; Campus Recreation; Residence Life; and Student Leadership and Engagement, which includes Orientation and New Student Programs, Intercultural Engagement and Inclusion, LGBTQ+ Programming and Advocacy, Fraternity and Sorority Life, and Community Service.

The Dean of Students Office promotes responsible and ethical decision-making that demonstrates integrity and respect for self and others. The Dean of Students Office strives to create a sense of community and an inclusive environment in which all people feel welcome, and all cultures, backgrounds, and perspectives are shared and celebrated. In addition, the office encourages students to become active and engaged citizens of the Hofstra, local and global communities.

Originally from Miami, Florida, Zaibis completed her undergraduate career at University of Florida, where she earned her degree in Religion and Theories & Politics of Sexuality. One of her favorite undergraduate experiences was studying abroad on the Semester at Sea program that introduced her to the world of Student Affairs. Zaibis went on to pursue her master's degree in College Student Personnel Administration with a concentration in Conflict Analysis Resolution at Nova Southeastern University. She has spent over a decade working in residence life and housing – the majority of which involved helping students get the most out of their college experience. Zaibis joins us after serving most recently as Director of Residence Life at NYIT. In her free time, she enjoys a good book, spin classes with great playlists, and spending time with family.

In September of 2021, Michelle Van-Ess Grant was named the Assistant Vice President of Student Enrollment, Engagement, and Success and Dean of Students at Hofstra University.  Van-Ess Grant has worked in higher education for more than 15 years.  Van-Ess Grant received her bachelor's degree in Communication/Broadcasting from Fairleigh Dickinson University, Metropolitan Campus, and her master's degree in Student Affairs from New York University Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development. Michelle is currently a doctoral student at Northeastern University researching the lived experience of Black employees at predominately white institutions (PWI).

Michelle comes from a very tight-knit family. She is the eldest daughter of four children raised by Ghanaian parents. She spent her formative years in Queens. Michelle now resides in Hempstead, New York, with her husband, Jamel, and son Jamel Jr. (JJ).

In her spare time, she loves traveling, entertaining, all things Trader Joe's, spending time with her family, and volunteering with her sorority, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc.

Originally from Bridgeport, Connecticut, Chermele completed her undergrad career at Saint Peter’s University in Jersey City, New Jersey, where she earned her degree in elementary education. She then went on to earn a master’s degree in Special Education (MSED) from Wagner College, Staten Island, New York. Throughout Chermele’s 15+ years in higher education, she has been a constant source of school spirit and a fierce advocate for all students. Chermele began at Hofstra in 2015 as Associate Director for Residence Life, and now returns home to Hofstra, after her time at Xavier University in Louisiana, as Hofstra’s Associate Dean of Students.

In her free time she can be found with her son at most every Hofstra home basketball game, supporting him at his own athletic events, or at the local dog park with their goldendoodle. If you have not worked with Chermele, listen closely and most likely you can hear her contagious laugh throughout Hofstra campus.