Lakers Ready

Division of Academic Affairs

May 12, 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: 

I write today to share important leadership updates and plans for upcoming searches in Academic Affairs. 

I want to acknowledge the faculty and staff who are eagerly awaiting news about the Vice Provost for Research and Innovation search. I appreciate your patience as we finalize details. I will be able to share good news soon, and I remain grateful for your continued interest in this important appointment. 

I am pleased to announce that Dr. Jeffrey Potteiger has been appointed Dean of the College of Health Professions. As part of the recent Provost’s Cabinet Member Assessment process, Jeff received overwhelmingly positive feedback from his colleagues, with many faculty and staff expressing strong support for his continued leadership. Following additional input from CHP leadership, a survey open to all CHP faculty and staff, and consultation with the Provost’s Cabinet, it was clear that Jeff is the right person to lead the college forward. 

With Jeff’s appointment as Dean, the Vice Provost for the Graduate School position is now open. As planned, Dr. Erica Hamilton will continue serving in this interim position through the 2025-2026 academic year. We will determine next steps following the completion of the Academic Affairs Strategic Plan and the establishment of a future direction for graduate education. 

In March, Dean Annie Bélanger shared that she will step down from her role as Dean of University Libraries in June to return to the faculty. Under her leadership, the Libraries expanded student services, strengthened collections, championed open access, and oversaw the creation of a new library. Annie will continue contributing to the university in her Senior Librarian position with responsibilities serving as a Faculty Fellow in the Office of the President and supporting Academic Affairs strategic initiatives. 

Dr. Melanie (Mel) Shell-Weiss will assume the role of Interim Dean of University Libraries beginning June 12. Currently Associate Dean and Professor in the Brooks College of Interdisciplinary Studies, Mel brings a collaborative spirit and deep experience in cross-unit work, including meaningful partnerships with the University Libraries. Her leadership and institutional knowledge will serve the Libraries well during this transitional period. This appointment follows consultation with Libraries leadership as well as its faculty and staff, whose input was thoughtful and deeply appreciated. 

Additionally, Dr. Donovan Anderson will continue ably serving as Interim Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences through the 2025-2026 academic year. 

Nationwide searches for permanent deans of University Libraries and the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences will begin in Fall 2025. Over the summer, we will begin the background work and select executive search firms to support each search. I will share information as it becomes available. 

Please join me in thanking Jeff, Erica, Annie, Mel, and Donovan for their commitment to Grand Valley and for the many ways they continue to serve our university. 

Sincerely, 

Jen 

Updates

As indicated in a prior communication, the implementation of Workday Student (WDS) is underway, with a planned launch at the beginning of the Fall 2027 semester and subsequent stabilization during the 2027-2028 academic year. The Workday Student Curriculum Advisory Team (WS-CAT) has been established to facilitate this transition while promoting academic innovation. We request that each academic unit submit significant curricular actions, such as new programs or substantial alterations to existing ones, by completing the survey on this link by June 11, 2025, to assist in our planning and to identify potential implementation challenges early. It is essential to highlight changes that may impact multiple programs, involve accreditation concerns, or introduce new credential types. An information session will be held on May 29, 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. via Zoom for further clarification, and we appreciate your cooperation as we navigate this critical transition. Please complete this form to receive a link to the Zoom information session. For more information, please contact AVP Felix N. Ngassa.

The annual reassigned time report is now posted on the Office of the Provost website. Following an agreement several years ago, a report of faculty who have alternate assignments to teaching is compiled and posted annually. 

In the latest episode of the GV Faculty Focus podcast, Susan Cleghorn, Professor of Occupational Science and Therapy in the College of Health Professions, joins President Mantella for an engaging discussion on her work, including how she incorporates community service into her instruction. You can listen to this and past episodes on all major podcast platforms.

Research consultants are in the Knowledge Market this summer, Monday through Thursday, 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., both in-person and online. If your students are working on research papers or need citation help, send them to the Knowledge Market for assistance. 

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

We appreciate the commitment of GVSU authors who invest significant time, effort, and rigorous research into their publications. We want to recognize not only individual contributions but also underscore the collective impact our intellectual endeavors have on academia and society. Submit your book publications to be featured in an upcoming Lakers Ready!

Congratulations to Ranelle Brew, Professor of Interdisciplinary Health, on receiving a $5,000 grant from the Michigan Institute for Clinical and Health Research. Brew and her public health faculty and student team will share evidence-based strategies for enhancing cultural competence with local community public health practitioners, students, and residents. Events will take place through the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce Business Luncheon in April, and on May 20 with Kent County Health Department.

Steve Glass, Professor of Movement Science, Brian Hatzel, Professor of Physical Therapy and Athletic Training, and Rick Albrecht, Professor Emeritus of Movement Science, co-authored Exercise Science for Dummies. This book covers must-know information about the how and why to body movement. It contains academic content from the exercise science field, including anatomy, physiology, exercise physiology, sports nutrition, injury care as well as exercise programming in aerobic and strength training. Click here to learn more about this book.

Events

Are you planning to submit a sabbatical proposal? Join members of the University Sabbatical Review Committee for one of their workshops.

Faculty Sabbatical Proposal Workshop: Two-hour, virtual workshop on Preparing a Successful Sabbatical Proposal

Faculty Sabbatical Proposal Workshop Q&A Session: One-hour, Q&A session on Preparing a Successful Sabbatical Proposal

Find more details and register on Workday Learning.

Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD) is an annual worldwide event to raise awareness about digital accessibility and inclusion for people with disabilities. At this virtual event, you'll have the opportunity to collaborate with experts from University Libraries, Student Accessibility Resources, eLearning Technologies, and University Marketing to learn best practices for making your digital content accessible. Join this virtual event on May 15, 10:00 -12:00 p.m. RSVP to receive the link on the Web Team website.

Join President Mantella for the Cook Carillon 30th Anniversary Celebration on June 10, 12:00 - 2:00 p.m., Mary Idema Pew Library Learning and Information Commons, Lower Level Atrium, Allendale Campus. For three decades, the Cook Carillon has stood as a symbol of history, harmony, and community. Join colleagues for a luncheon and concert as we celebrate Grand Valley’s most iconic landmark. A luncheon and a special announcement will take place at 12:15 p.m., followed by dessert and and open-air concert at 1:15 p.m. RVSP by May 27.

In Case You Missed It

4/14 - Michigan Earned Sick Time Act (ESTA) Training & Resources Now Available
4/29 - A Message from President Philomena Mantella - Our Approach During These Turbulent Times
5/1 - Honoring Heritage and Celebrating Community at GVSU
5/6 - A Message from President Philomena Mantella - Dr. Jesse Bernal Appointed President of Western Connecticut State University

Important Dates and Links

Previously Shared Events
5/13 & 14- Establishing University-Industry Partnerships Workshop - 9:00 a.m., 104 DeVos Center for Interprofessional Health, Health Campus
5/15 - Global Accessibility Awareness Day - 10:00 a.m., Virtual
5/15 - Insight and Ideas: Staff Sessions - 9:00 a.m., Mary Idema Pew Library, Allendale Campus
5/20 - Faculty Sabbatical Proposal Workshop: Two-hour, virtual workshop on Preparing a Successful Sabbatical Proposal - 2:00 p.m., Virtual
6/4 - Faculty Sabbatical Proposal Workshop Q&A Session: One-hour, Q&A session on Preparing a Successful Sabbatical Proposal - 2:00 p.m., 502 C DeVos - Amway Board Room, Pew Grand Rapids Campus
6/10 - Cook Carillon 30th Anniversary Celebration - 12:00 p.m., Mary Idema Pew Library Learning and Information Commons, Lower Level Atrium, Allendale Campus
6/18 - Faculty Sabbatical Proposal Workshop Q&A Session: One-hour, Q&A session on Preparing a Successful Sabbatical Proposal - 1:00 p.m., 2201 Kirkhof Center, Allendale Campus
7/10 - Faculty Sabbatical Proposal Workshop Q&A Session: One-hour, Q&A session on Preparing a Successful Sabbatical Proposal - 10:00 a.m., Virtual

Dates
5/26 - Memorial Day Recess
6/16 - Spring Classes End
6/17-6/18 - Examination Week
6/23 - Summer 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

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