Feature Stories
Staff Update
The GVSU Alumni Relations office is excited to announce several new changes to their team. The office welcomed two new staff members, Ashlyn McDonald ‘20 and Alex Priebe, on February 7, 2022, and celebrated the promotion of Kyle Barnhart ‘14 into a new role on December 13, 2021. Please join us in congratulating and welcoming Ashlyn, Alex and Kyle!
ASHLYN MCDONALD '20
Ashlyn will serve as Assistant Director of Events and Volunteer Management. In her role, Ashlyn strives to increase alumni engagement through the planning and execution of a full slate of alumni events and volunteer programs, with a near-term focus on activities which will re-engage underserved alumni.
Prior to joining Grand Valley, Ashlyn served as Events Coordinator for the Pentwater Chamber of Commerce, where her passion grew for community event planning and engagement. In this role, she pioneered exciting community events that enhanced the lives of community members and attracted new and repeat visitors, delivering increased tourism and commerce to the area.
Ashlyn is a GVSU alumna, having earned a bachelor’s degree from the Accelerated Leadership Program. As a non-traditional learner, Ashlyn is poised to create thoughtful and inclusive programming that supports the strategic initiatives of the University.
“I am honored to be a part of both the Alumni Relations team and the greater alumni community at Grand Valley. I look forward to establishing dynamic and diverse programs that support alumni across various life stages and provide further opportunities for alumni to engage, connect and grow. It is a privilege to play a part in driving engagement that leads to further community development at GVSU and across our diverse alumni population.”
ALEX PRIEBE
Alex will serve as Assistant Director of Digital Engagement and Communications, creating opportunities for alumni to engage with Grand Valley in meaningful ways. He will provide creative direction and oversight for all Alumni Relations communications, including social channels, websites, newsletters, print publications and event promotions.
Prior to joining Alumni Relations, Alex was Communications Specialist for GVSU’s Brooks College of Interdisciplinary Studies for the past three years. In this role, Alex enjoyed collaborating with faculty, staff, and students from across campus on University-wide projects, including Reach Higher 2025 and establishing an annual GVSU bean bag toss tournament. Alex is excited use his creative skillset to inform the alumni community, share alumni success stories, and to support lifelong learning.
Alex earned a bachelor's degree in telecommunications, information studies and media from Michigan State University. In January, he began the M.B.A. program in GVSU’s Seidman College of Business. Alex previously owned and operated a photography business for six years. An avid filmgoer, music lover, and passionate Michigander, Alex enjoys exploring Grand Rapids and the Great Lakes State with his wife and their two young boys.
KYLE BARNHART '14
Kyle will serve as Assistant Director for Alumni Engagement. In this role, Kyle will foster and spearhead the next generation of alumni outreach and services, curate mentorship, professional development, and lifelong learning opportunities, and advocate for ways data and technology can scale GVSU’s ability to support its alumni.
“I am excited to continue driving programming and engagement to support our alumni and keep them connected throughout their lifetime.”
No stranger to alumni programming, Kyle has worked in the GVSU Alumni Relations office since November 2017, previously as Alumni Relations Assistant. He also coaches the GVSU novice men’s rowing team. Before beginning at GVSU, Kyle worked for the City of Grand Rapids’ planning and community engagement division.
Kyle earned a bachelor’s in geography and urban planning, and is currently pursuing a master’s in adult and higher education. As an undergraduate student, Kyle was a four-year coxswain for the GVSU rowing team, earning numerous accolades, including a national championship title. Kyle and his wife, Rhiannon (McHenry) Barnhart ’15, also a former coxswain and national champion, live in Grand Haven with their dog, Maple.
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