Dr. Michelle B. Hayes is a visionary educator and accomplished executive leader. Dr. Hayes brings more than three decades of experience across K–12 administration, higher education, and nonprofit innovation. Her career reflects an unwavering commitment to equity, excellence, and leadership development at every level of the educational spectrum.
A native of Mobile, Alabama, Dr. Hayes currently serves as Executive Director of College Admissions Made Possible (CAMP)—a nationally recognized college access and readiness organization headquartered in Birmingham. Under her leadership, CAMP has expanded its annual operating budget from $325,000 to over $1.9 million, now serving more than 40,000 students annually through programs in college readiness, ACT preparation, STEM enrichment, and workforce development.
Dr. Hayes has led major multi-state partnerships and has secured substantial federal, state, and philanthropic grants, resulting in sustainable academic enrichment opportunities for students and teachers. She also oversees the Alabama Virtual Institute (AVI)—CAMP’s innovative digital learning and STEM enrichment division—serving more than 2,500 students across the Southeast through virtual instruction, professional development, and academic coaching.
Before joining CAMP, Dr. Hayes distinguished herself as a Principal in Fairfield City Schools, where she led targeted improvement initiatives that raised graduation rates, improved ACT benchmarks, and increased dual enrollment participation. Her tenure is remembered for revitalizing school culture and implementing data-driven systems that empowered both teachers and students to succeed.
Dr. Hayes’s higher education experience includes serving as Department Chair and Professor at Stillman College, where she guided academic programs, led faculty development efforts, and played a key role in achieving CAEP accreditation. She also earned ACUE certification in Effective Online Teaching, reflecting her commitment to high-quality, inclusive instruction.
Dr. Hayes earned her Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Leadership and Curriculum Development from Samford University. Her research explores Social Emotional Learning, Transformational Leadership, instructional leadership, and themes that also define her forthcoming books, Unlocking the Confidence Code and The Confidence Curriculum: Building Brilliance in Students, Teachers, and Leaders.
Recognized as a strategic builder and transformational leader, Dr. Hayes has collaborated with organizations such as Alabama Possible, Birmingham Promise, Alabama Public Television, and regional GEAR UP programs to strengthen college-to-career pipelines and expand opportunities for students. Her leadership philosophy—Intentional. Impactful. Infinite.—captures her belief that education is not merely a profession but a moral and spiritual calling.
Dr. Hayes is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. A devoted wife, mother, and mentor, Dr. Hayes leads with faith, authenticity, and courage. Her lifelong mission is to empower students and educators to lead with purpose, and continues to shape classrooms, communities, and institutions across the nation.
