A Note from the Provost

Dear Colleagues,  

Over the past few weeks, President Mantella shared updates with the university community regarding the state budget, the university's 2026-2027 budget, and actions taken by the Board of Trustees. I encourage you to take a few moments to read those messages if you have not already. They provide important context for the work ahead. 

Update on State Budget – July 3, 2026 
Important Steps on our Shared Path Forward – July 10, 2026

For those of us in Academic Affairs, these messages reinforce the importance of planning thoughtfully for the future while remaining focused on our mission. The environment for higher education continues to change, and that calls on all of us to be thoughtful stewards of the resources entrusted to us. At the same time, our purpose has not changed. We are here to provide an exceptional educational experience for our students and to empower them in their pursuits, professions, and purpose. 

Over the past year, guided by our Academic Affairs Strategic Framework and many conversations across the division, we have worked to better align our priorities, strengthen collaboration, and build a foundation for the future. That work continues, and I am grateful for the many ways faculty and staff have engaged with openness, asked thoughtful questions, and explored new ideas together. I am especially grateful to our Academic Affairs leaders – our unit heads, directors, assistant and associate deans, deans, and leaders in the Office of the Provost – who are helping guide this work with care, thoughtful leadership, and a steadfast commitment to our students, colleagues, and the long-term success of Academic Affairs. 

The months ahead will require continued collaboration, creativity, and shared leadership. What gives me confidence is seeing faculty and staff find new ways to support students, strengthen our academic programs, and serve our communities. Those efforts will continue to shape the future of Academic Affairs and of Grand Valley. 

Thank you for your partnership and your commitment to our students. I hope you have an opportunity to enjoy the remaining days of summer, and I look forward to continuing our work together in the months ahead. 

Best, 

Jen 

Advancing Academic Affairs: Update

After consultation with the Libraries and Art Museum faculty and staff and with the recommendation of the Libraries and Art Museum leadership team, the Provost is appointing Dr. Melanie Shell-Weiss as Dean. Over the past year, Mel has provided thoughtful, steady, and compassionate leadership during a period of transition, earning the confidence of faculty and staff while building positive momentum for the future. Mel brings a unique combination of academic leadership experience, interdisciplinary scholarship, relationship-building acumen, and a forward-looking vision to the role. As Dean, Mel will continue leading the Libraries and Art Museum in advancing student success, supporting faculty scholarship and creative activity, strengthening community engagement through our collections, and helping Grand Valley fulfill its mission as a student-centered public university.

Barbara and Stuart Padnos Center for Global Experiences
(formerly Barbara and Stuart Padnos International Center)
The Center for Global Experiences name more accurately reflects the current scope of the unit and its strategic direction in supporting global and experiential learning at GVSU. By reemphasizing "Global Experiences" the name signals that all students can engage in meaningful, perspective-shaping opportunities. 

Center for Student Research and Scholarly Engagement
(formerly Center for Undergraduate Scholar Engagement)
The new name more accurately reflects the work of the Center and its expanded responsibility for supporting both undergraduate and graduate student research, scholarship, fellowship-seeking and professional development. Including "Student Research" clearly signals support for all students interested in research activity. Including "Scholarly Engagement" preserves the center's commitment to academic excellence, nationally competitive fellowship support, best practices in mentorship, and student engagement in the broader scholarly community. 

Faculty Research and Innovation Center
(formerly Center for Scholarly and Creative Excellence)
The new name fits within the naming conventions of the division, as well as better describes the services that are provided to faculty in support of their research, creativity, and innovation endeavors. 

Updates

Want to learn more about what Workday Student will look like in practice? A new video is now available that walks through the Student Profile in Workday Student. The Student Profile is a central location for viewing important student information and will be a key tool for many faculty and staff members. More videos on key topics are coming soon.

The Center for Health and Well-being and the WIT Peer Educators congratulate Jennifer Olson, Affiliate Faculty in Health and Physical Education, as the Winter Semester Well-Being Award recipient. Nominated by students, Jennifer is recognized for creating a supportive, student-centered learning environment and promoting student well-being. Thank you to everyone who submitted nominations and celebrated faculty making a difference.

The GVSU Campus Health Center is offering sports physicals for faculty and staff dependents at a cost of $25 per physical. Scheduling is available through August 14 at this rate. Please call 616-331-2800 to schedule an appointment. Please note: All patient information and patient history must be completed prior to your appointment. To learn more about the services that the Campus Health Center provides, please visit the Campus Health Center website.

Ongoing updates and resources related to new executive orders, federal memos, and other important federal actions are available on Division of People, Equity, and Culture website. Updates on executive orders impacting federally-funded projects can be found on the Office of Sponsored Programs website.

Engaged Scholarship

David Eick, Professor of Modern Languages and Literatures, co-authored The Enlightenment in Crisis: Diderot's Encyclopédie in a Parisian Salon. The Enlightenment in Crisis places students amid the intellectual and political tension of the Enlightenment. At the center of the game is the ambitious Encyclopédie, which provokes fierce resistance from religious authorities and royal officials. Click here to learn more about this book.

Events

Provost Jennifer Drake and the Provost’s Cabinet invite all Academic Affairs Staff to appreciation events in their honor. These events are our way of saying thank you
for all you do throughout the year. Come enjoy sweet summer treats and good conversations with colleagues. All events will be outdoors, with indoor accommodations 
available if needed. RSVP your attendance.

The Wellness Summit on July 29 is an opportunity to invest in your well-being and explore the many dimensions of wellness at GVSU. Throughout the day, participants will have the chance to engage in numerous experiences, offered in a variety of formats, to help you be well at GV. More details will be shared soon from the People, Equity, and Culture Division.

The 2026 GV Technology Summit will take place on the Valley Campus on November 3, and planning is well underway. An exciting agenda is coming together, highlighting the many ways technology is enhancing learning, research, and work at GVSU. There's still time to get involved! Submit a proposal to present a breakout session or showcase your work during the poster session. Students are also encouraged to submit presentation proposals and share their ideas.

In Case You Missed It

7/3 - A Message from President Philomena Mantella: Update on State Budget
7/10 - A Message from President Philomena Mantella: Important Steps on our Shared Path Forward

Important Dates and Links

Previously Shared Events
7/29 - GVSU Wellness Summit
8/13 - Fall Conference on Teaching and Learning, L. William Seidman Center, City Campus
9/15 - GV Technology Summit 2026 Proposals Due

Important Dates
8/10-11 - Examinations for 2nd 6 and 12 weeks
8/31 - Classes begin

Links
Lakers Ready - repository of this newsletter and a link to submit content
Laker Family Network - repository of the monthly newsletter sent by the Division of Student Affairs to GVSU parents/supporters
Laker Weekly - repository of the weekly e-newsletter sent by the Division of Student Affairs to current GVSU students
Inclusion and Equity Institute Workshops - Inclusion and Equity Institute offers free, dynamic, and helpful workshops on a variety of topics

Lakers Ready will be distributed on the 2nd and 4th Monday of each month.