He attended Wellsville High School in Wellsville, Kansas and graduated in 1995. He attended Westmont College in Santa Barbara, California until 1998 and graduated from California Lutheran University in 2000 with a bachelor of science degree in Political Science and in History.
In addition, he is the Chief Executive Officer of his family foundation, At Our Table, with the focus on advocacy and treatment for individuals battling eating disorders. He currently resides in Los Angeles, California and Little Rock, Arkansas. Michael was adopted at an early age by Doris J. Shelton and Gale A. Shelton.
Michael has created a number of projects that have raised awareness and money for charities.
Michael has worked for the Democratic National Committee, President Bill Clinton, Starlight Starbright Children"s Foundation, Children"s Hospital of Kansas City, served on the board for the Franklin County Habitat for Humanity
The images were then auctioned off to benefit Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome Research Alliance. Continuing his long term commitment to Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome/Human Immunodeficiency Virus activism, Michael,in October 2009, created a team for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome Project Los Angeles to raise awareness and money for those living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. In December 2009, Michael created and co-hosted an event to raise money for the Leap Foundation at The Abby West Hollywood.
In May 2010, Michael Dean served on Liberty Hill"s Honorary Host Committee for their annual Upton Sinclair & Dinner. Michael served on the host committee for Operation Smile"s Annual Smile Gala on September 24, 2010, honoring Harrison Ford, John Stamos and Susan Casden in Los Los Angeles
Michael states that "as both a philanthropist and activist, I am always proud to support the work of Operation Smile to help provide free corrective surgeries and new smiles for children around the world.
In as little as 45 minutes and for as little as $240, Operation Smile can give a child new hope and a new chance in life".
Michael has received a number of awards and honors including a Special Congressional Recognition in 1997, Plaques of Appreciation from Heart to Heart International and the City of Ottawa, Kansas. On November 5, 2010 Michael Dean was honored by Hope 4 Children with their inaugural Shining Star Philanthropist of the Year Award.
