A Note from the Provost

Dear Colleagues: 

As we move into the final days of the semester, I’m filled with a sense of anticipation as we prepare for Commencement at the end of the week. This is a joyful moment for our graduates and for all of us who have supported them along the way. It is a time to celebrate not only their accomplishments, but the collective work that made those achievements possible. 

I also want to express my sincere appreciation for the engagement you have brought to this academic year. From shared governance conversations to thoughtful dialogue around important institutional priorities, your willingness to lean in, ask questions, and contribute your perspectives has strengthened our work in meaningful ways. 

I would also like to share my deep gratitude for the leadership of Dr. Felix Ngassa. Over more than two decades at Grand Valley, including his time in the Office of the Provost, Felix has built strong relationships across the university and served as a partner in advancing our work in Academic Affairs. As a faculty member, Faculty Senate Chair, and Assistant Vice President, he has helped strengthen connections across the institution and elevate faculty voices. I’m excited to share that Felix will continue that work as he steps into a new role as Assistant Vice President for International Enrollment and Academic Partnerships within Enrollment Development and College Futures beginning May 6. 

Finally, please join me in thanking Dr. Sean Lancaster for his many contributions to Grand Valley. Since joining the College of Education faculty in 2000, Sean has made a lasting impact through his leadership in teaching, accreditation, assessment, and strategic planning. From serving as department chair to his role as Associate Vice President in the Provost’s Office, he has helped shape key institutional initiatives including Reach Higher Together and the Academic Affairs Strategic Framework. We are proud to celebrate his appointment as Provost at Ferris State University, effective June 1. A campus reception to celebrate Sean will be held later in May, with details to be shared soon. 

Thank you for all you do. I wish you a meaningful close to the semester and a restorative summer. 

Best, 

Jen

As part of the merger of Grand Valley State University Art Museum with University Libraries, the name will also change. Effective May 6, the unit will become “University Libraries and Art Museum.” This change will help ensure that the Art Museum retains its prominent standing, reflecting its importance to the larger Grand Rapids metropolitan community as well as to Grand Valley alumni, current faculty, staff, students, and stakeholders while also reflecting our shared work and expanded scope. 

While the name change becomes official on May 6, the work of integrating the two entities is one of shared leadership and is an ongoing process. Watch for updates and a formal announcement as we start the 2026-2027 academic year. 

Updates

Serve as a Faculty Partner in the Student Success Network (SSN). The SSN connects new Lakers with faculty who support first-year students as they learn "How to College". Faculty Partners send messages (provided) about student success to their groups throughout the year and are a resource when needed. Extensive support and professional development opportunities are provided. This is a valued service activity that has a significant impact on our students. Please share your interest by May 15. For questions about SSN, please contact Brian Hatzel.

On April 15, President Mantella joined former presidents Don Lubbers, Mark Murray and Tom Haas as they reflected on the past and shared their deep alignment for the future of GVSU. A recording of the event is available on YouTube. 

As the Workday Student project moves into the testing phase, it is important to check in with faculty and staff through a short survey. Please complete this survey by May 8. Your feedback will help the team gauge readiness, understand what you’ve heard, and prepare the campus community for the transition from Banner to Workday Student later this year. Academic Affairs encourages your participation as the team plans for go-live.

The U.S. Department of Justice has announced a one-year extension to the ADAAA web accessibility compliance deadline, moving it from April 24, 2026 to April 26, 2027. This extension impacts timing only—WCAG 2.1 accessibility requirements remain unchanged. GVSU will continue advancing accessibility efforts to ensure our digital content is inclusive and compliant. Faculty and staff are encouraged to explore resources at gvsu.edu/wcag and attend Fix-Your-Content Day on May 5. Questions can be directed to accessibility@gvsu.edu.

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

Congratulations to Shorouq Almallah, Director of the Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation in the Seidman College of Business, on an award from 20Fathoms and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, to support the Michigan Veteran Entrepreneur Lab in Traverse City. This 12-week program offers support to veterans, active-duty service members, Guard and Reserve members, and spouses and dependents who are interested in starting a business.

Congratulations to Joseph Jacquot, Professor of Biology, on securing a contract with John Ball Zoo to support six paid student research fellowships in Summer 2026. This program provides opportunities for students to get hands-on research with faculty advisors.

Events

Join a one-day workshop on May 7, 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., 3068 Zumberge Hall, Valley Campus, for a International Virtual Exchange, a pedagogy in which faculty and students partner with peers at international universities on sustained, online collaborations. Experienced GVSU faculty will describe models for using virtual exchange, share examples, discuss strategies for finding teaching partners, and help participants design and plan projects. No experience is necessary and faculty in all disciplines are encouraged to attend.

Donald (Don) Williams Sr., dean emeritus of minority affairs, died March 29, 2026. He was 89. Williams joined Grand Valley's staff in 1985 and retired in 2001. Williams developed programs to address the academic and social needs of students of color in business, science and mathematics, and education. Those programs served as the nucleus for the Office of Multicultural Affairs. A celebration of life service is set for May 16, 1-3 p.m., at the DeVos Center, Exhibition Hall, on the City Campus.

Grand Valley State University’s Division of Enrollment Development and College Futures proudly presents the 5th Annual Black Boys and Men National Symposium on June 10–12 at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Battle Creek, Michigan.

At the symposium, participants will:

Symposium Goals

Sponsorship Opportunity

This year, Dr. Truss will sponsor five (5) individuals from Academic Affairs to attend the symposium including registration and hotel accommodations. Please complete the Black Boys and Men Symposium Interest Form to be considered for sponsorship. 

If you have questions about this event or sponsorship, please contact Angelina Quezada-Reynolds.

Mark your calendar for the GV Technology Summit on November 3, 2026, 8:30 a.m.- 4:00 p.m., Kirkhof Center, Valley Campus. Have you been part of a project or technology initiative worth sharing? Consider presenting at the Summit. We welcome proposals from faculty, staff, and students. Presentation formats include breakout sessions, roundtable discussions, and poster presentations. Submissions are due by June 30, 2026.