Dear Colleagues,

We are today marking Juneteenth, the Holiday commemorating June 19th 1865, when Union Troops informed enslaved African Americans in Texas that a decree signed almost two years prior has ended slavery and restored their freedom. I hope many of you can participate in person or virtually and engage with the two organized events planned: the keynote address available by livestream at 1:00 p.m. The keynote will be given by 
Dr. Bobby J. Smith II, Sociology Professor in the Department of African American Studies at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. The keynote will be followed by a GVSU Quest session: Understanding and Celebrating Juneteenth at 3:00 p.m. The quest session will be facilitated by Dr. Schaub, Dean of the Brooks College of Interdisciplinary Studies with panelists Professors Love (IRIS), Moore (History), and Tunstall (Professor of Philosophy, and Associate Dean in CLAS). 

As I continue reporting on work done and underway at the Provost’s Office, I want this week to pause and acknowledge the team, your team, for their dedication to GVSU and for the culture of respect and professionalism that they embody: Aaron Lowen (Data Analytics), Bonnie Bowen (Business & HR), Christine Rener (FTLC), Ed Aboufadel (Faculty Affairs & Academic Facilities), Erica Hamilton (Curricular Affairs), Kara Van Dam (Adult & Continued Education), Mary Albrecht (Communications & Operations), Robert Smart (Scholarly & Creative Excellence), Sean Lancaster (Accreditation, Assessment, & Planning), and Suzeanne Benet (Student Success). They and I are here to serve you and serve your deans in doing the hard and important work of serving our students. In early May, as part of the annual assessment, we ran a survey sent to key constituencies with questions about the effectiveness of the members in accomplishing their goals, and about their leadership skills and attitudes. On the latter, I share the responses we received on two key prompts.

The culture of service, respect, and appreciation for every Laker is and will remain the foundation of everything we do. I am very proud of the team we have for everything they bring to the table every day. Given the number of changes in the last two years, this took much agility and quick learning from the new members and mentoring and generosity from the more senior ones. Special acknowledgements to two of the “senior” members: Ed Aboufadel and Suzeanne Benet.

Ed Aboufadel has been taking on an increasing number of responsibilities. His institutional knowledge and his leadership in Faculty Affairs have been a major asset. He possesses a rare combination of big picture thinking and keen attention to details. He is always willing to take on new responsibilities and lead key initiatives. His recent co-leadership of the Blue Dot project is only the latest example. In recognition of his elevated role, he has been named Senior AVP. Please join me in thanking Ed and congratulating him.

With our laser focus on student success this past year, Suzeanne Benet has been a key thought partner with me on everything related to advising and mentoring. She has been very active through the year implementing and evaluating many advising efforts here at GVSU while helping us research successful approaches and trends in this arena around the nation. Dr. Benet has expressed the desire and readiness to tackle new challenges by taking on the role of Faculty Director Student Success and Assurance of Learning in Seidman College of Business. She will finish her term as AVP in August. Suzeanne leaves a strong track record in student success including:

Please join me in thanking Suzeanne, congratulating her for an outstanding record of accomplishments, and wishing her continued success in her next endeavor.

We are currently reviewing the portfolio of responsibilities under her position and assessing the best course of action.

Have a great week everyone and see you all in person and virtually at the Juneteenth events.

With my deepest appreciation,

Fatma 

The President's Office, Office of the Provost, and Division of Inclusion and Equity will host  inaugural Juneteenth Celebration events with a keynote presentation followed by a GVSU Quest Series Panel. There is still time to register for today's events.

Keynote Presentation with Professor Bobby J. Smith II
At 1:00 p.m., Dr. Smith, Assistant Professor in the Department of African American Studies at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Chapaign, will provide remarks. His research uses sociohistorical and community-based approaches to analyze historical and contemporary struggles for food justice and food sovereignty in Black communities in the United States. During his keynote, he will also delve into the rich history of Juneteenth, shedding light on its significance and importance. Please register to receive the livestream link.

Congratulations to Christopher John Cruz, Assistant Professor of Economics in the Seidman College of Business, for his $15,600 award from the Social Security Administration and the Center for Financial Security at the University of Wisconsin-Madison to examine the effect of robotics and other automation technologies on Social Security Disability Insurance applications and awards. The research team will explore how automation technologies affect workers and whether automation reduces disability.

Sabbatical Applications
The electronic sabbatical site is open for eligible faculty to submit a proposal. Proposals are due by 11:59 p.m. on September 1. The Sabbatical website provides a proposal template and helpful information for completing the proposal.

Best-Selling Author Robin Wall Kimmerer Coming to GVSU
Brooks College is proud to announce that Dr. Robin Wall Kimmerer will be in person at the Grand River Room at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, November 8, 2023, with live streaming available. This event can serve as a great learning opportunity for students, and we encourage you to keep her visit in mind as you prepare your Fall syllabi. Robin is the author of Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants, which has earned Kimmerer wide acclaim.