Lakers Ready

Division of Academic Affairs

April 14, 2025

Lakers Ready is sent by the Office of the Provost
to faculty and staff within the Division of Academic Affairs

In this issue of Lakers Ready:

A Note from the Provost

Dear Colleagues, 

Nearly five years ago, I came to Grand Valley because of its mission, vision, and values—and because of all of you. 

From the beginning, I could see that this is a relationship-rich institution, deeply connected to its places and people. We live the teacher-scholar model. We embrace the integration of liberal education and professional preparation. And we are unwavering in our focus on student success. 

It’s because of these strengths—and the people who bring them to life every day—that I am deeply honored to serve as Grand Valley’s next Provost. 

I look forward to continuing our work together in partnership with President Mantella, the Senior Leadership Team, the Provost’s Cabinet, and especially with all of you—our extraordinary faculty, staff, and students. 

This is a time of transformation in higher education, full of both complexity and opportunity. and I believe in our ability to meet the moment. Together, we will build our future from our strong foundation and through courageous action and leadership. 

I’m excited to continue our conversations and collaborations—and hope you will join me at the Conversation events President Mantella mentioned in her earlier message. I hope to see many of you there. 

With gratitude, 
Jen 

Conversations with Provost Drake

Join Provost Drake as she offers brief remarks highlighting her priorities for academic affairs, followed by a Q&A session. Drop in, ask questions, and connect with colleagues as we look ahead together. Light refreshments will be provided. No RSVP necessary. 

Friday, April 18 
10:30-11:30 a.m. 
Pew Campus 
William Seidman Center Forum  

Wednesday, April 23 
2:00-3:00 p.m. 
Allendale Campus 
Alumni House 

Projects and Initiatives Updates

The Integrated Student Success Initiative is a comprehensive approach to enhancing student experiences through coordinated academic policies. Rather than treating institutional policies in isolation, this initiative recognizes how various requirements collectively influence student outcomes. In collaboration with multiple campus departments and student representatives, educational modules were developed to address key policy areas that impact student success. Click on the links below for resources pertaining to upcoming academic events. For questions or additional information about this initiative, please contact Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs Felix N. Ngassa.

Video Resources:

Updates

Congratulations to Adrienne Wallace, Associate Professor of Advertising and Public Relations, for being selected as a 2025 Michigan Distinguished Professor of the Year award recipient. This award is presented annually by the Michigan Association of State Universities (MASU) to recognize outstanding contributions to the education of undergraduate students by the faculty from Michigan's 15 public universities. Acting Provost Drake said, "Dr. Wallace’s leadership capacity, professional development and extensive contributions to undergraduate education make her a tremendous asset to GVSU. Her innovative teaching methods, exceptional scholarship and commitment to student success demonstrate her dedication to excellence in education.” Visit the GVNext article to learn more.

The final candidate for the Vice Provost for Research and Innovation position will be on campus April 14 & 15. Visit the Vice Provost search website for details about open meetings and to access candidate materials. Feedback surveys for all finalists will be open until 5:00 p.m. on Friday, April 18.

The Steelcase Library, in DeVos Center Building A, will be transforming its service offerings to start in Fall 2025. This transformation will require the temporary closure of the Steelcase Library and Curriculum Materials Library space to public users from May 2025 - August 2025. The computer lab adjacent to Steelcase Library will close on April 14. Replenish will no longer be available at this location after April 23.

The latest episode of the GV Faculty Focus podcast is now available. This month features Sanjivan Manoharan, Associate Professor of Engineering. Known for his ambition and dedication, Sanjivan was honored with the 2024 Pew Award for Teaching Excellence and shares details of how he creates an engaging and positive classroom experience for GVSU students. Check out the episode on most major podcast platforms.

Faculty and staff have the opportunity to celebrate our graduating Lakers in a variety of ways. To process in your regalia during the ceremony or to show your support by volunteering during one of the ceremonies, please register by April 16.

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 Kirk Anderson, Professor of Statistics, and Denise Ludwig, Professor  of Communication Sciences and Disorders, on their $79,639 grant from the Michigan Health Endowment Fund to study the reliability and validity of the Premature and Young Infant Developmental Assessment Tool. The tool is designed to evaluate the infant and assess the need for early intervention services.

Jonathan Greer, Visiting Faculty in Anthropology, co-edited the book The Formation of Biblical Texts: Chronicling the Legacy of Gary N. Knoppers. This book bring together leading voices to tackle questions about the composition and formation of the Hebrew Bible and the future directions of such studies in honor of Gary N. Knoppers. Click here to learn more about this book.

Events

Please join Provost Jennifer Drake in welcoming Dr. Adebayo (Bayo) Ogundipe to the Grand Valley State University community.

Monday, May 5, 2025
4:00 - 6:00 P.M.
Shape Corp. Innovation Design Center
Robert C. Pew Grand Rapids Campus

RSVP Your Attendance Plans

We look forward to gathering in recognition of Dean Ogundipe as he begins his role as the inaugural Dean of the Padnos College of Engineering. This event will be an opportunity to connect with colleagues and community partners, celebrate the College’s strong foundation, and look ahead to its continued success under Dean Ogundipe’s leadership

Insights and Ideas is a series of informal gatherings in both Allendale and Grand Rapids throughout the winter semester. Each discussion will provide space for open dialogue to discuss topics important to faculty and staff and for leadership to provide deeper insight into our priorities and key initiatives. Please contact the Office of the President with questions. 

The Technology Commercialization Office will host an interactive workshop on Establishing University-Industry Partnerships on May 13 and 14, 9:00-5:00 p.m., 104 DeVos Center for Interprofessional Health, Health Campus. This includes a $500 stipend, and an opportunity for a $500 proposal stipend. The workshop will focus on the Why, What and How of Industry Partnerships to advance faculty research and student engagement. Topics will include identifying mutually beneficial value, exploring the spectrum of possible collaborative activities, and reviewing approaches for positive implementation. Register online.

The inaugural GV Technology Summit will take place on October 2, 12:00 - 5:00 p.m., DeVos Center for Interprofessional Health, Health Campus. Be part of this celebration of innovation and progress, sponsored by Information Technology in collaboration with colleges and departments across the university. IT is seeking passionate presenters to showcase technology advancements and explore future opportunities. Submit a proposal to help make the Summit a success. Learn more and register at gvsu.edu/it/summit.

Important Dates and Links

Previously Shared Events
4/14 - Student Awards Convocation - 6:00 p.m.,  L.V. Eberhard Center, Pew Grand Rapids Campus
4/15 - Graduate School Showcase - 3:00 p.m., Hager-Lubbers Exhibition Hall and Loosemore Auditorium,  DeVos Center, Pew Grand Rapids Campus
5/13 & 14- Establishing University-Industry Partnerships Workshop - 9:00 a.m., 104 DeVos Center for Interprofessional Health, Health Campus
5/15 - Insight and Ideas: Staff Sessions - 9:00 a.m., Mary Idema Pew Library, Allendale Campus

Dates
4/19 - Classes End
4/19-26 - Examination Week
4/25-26 - Commencement

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

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