Dr. Nykia Gaines, Ph.D., Assistant Vice President for Federal TRIO Programs

Hi, I'm Nykia D. Gaines, also known as Dr. G. Welcome to TRIO! I started my journey at Grand Valley in the fall of 1994. As a freshman from Detroit, I was enthusiastic about my new life as a Laker. After earning my B.S. in Criminal Justice in 1998 from Grand Valley, I pursued an M.Ed. with a specialization in College Student Affairs and Leadership in Grand Valley's Higher Education Master's Program. During my master's program, I worked as a Graduate Assistant in Health and Wellness and in the Office of Housing and Residence Life. I also interned at the University of Detroit-Mercy in the office of International Services. After I graduated with my M.Ed. in 2001, I accepted a full-time position at GVSU as a Living Center Director in the Office of Housing and Residence Life. In the summer of 2008, I decided to depart from my beloved Grand Valley to pursue my doctorate full-time at Bowling Green State University (BGSU) in Bowling Green, OH. As a doctoral fellow, I worked in the College of Education and Human Development as an academic advisor. In May 2012, I graduated from BGSU with a Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration. Less than one-year post-doctorate, I graciously accepted this position at my alma mater. I am excited to be able to once again give back to a school that has continued to give to me, a Laker for a Lifetime. In my free time, I enjoy caring for and playing with my rescue dog, Karma. I also take pleasure in traveling abroad, attending church, Skyping with distant friends, and spending time with my family.

Full-Time Position: Assistant Vice President for Federal TRIO Programs, Division of Enrollment Development and Educational Outreach
Office Address: 200 STU
Phone: (616) 331-5430
Email: [email protected]