Kara Van Dam, Ph.D., MBA

Vice President and Chief Executive of GVSU Omni

(616) 331-7624

[email protected]

Dr. Kara Van Dam earned both a doctorate and master’s degree in linguistics from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She received a master’s degree in business administration from Kaplan University and a bachelor of general studies in French and linguistics from the University of Michigan. She grew up in West Michigan and is a graduate of East Grand Rapids High School.

Kara leads GVSU Omni and oversees several areas at the university including adult and continuing studies, the career center, executive education and enterprise partnerships, and regional campuses.

Al Shifflett III, MBA

Director, Southwest Michigan

(616) 331-7615

[email protected]

Al is a proud alumnus of Battle Creek Central High School, Kellogg Community College, and Western Michigan University (WMU), and holds an MBA from Grand Valley State University. He leads and implements initiatives that expand GVSU's academic, continuing education, and community programs and services in Battle Creek and Southwest Michigan.

Al brings over 20 years of experience in marketing, promotion, service, and engagement to this role. Most recently, he served as the Director of Development and Alumni Affairs at the WMU Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine in Kalamazoo, MI, where he successfully established the Office of Development and Alumni Affairs and cultivated a culture of giving and stewardship within the new institution.

Al is honored to have the opportunity to make a positive impact in his hometown, including the high school and community college from which he graduated, and to contribute to the growth and prosperity of the Southwest Michigan region through the programs and resources offered by GVSU

Keiara B. Gladney, MPA

Assistant Director of Faculty, Southwest Michigan

(616) 331-7613

[email protected]

Keiara holds a Master of Public Administration (MPA) from the University of Michigan–Flint, following her undergraduate studies at Wayne State University. A dedicated professional, she boasts a proven track record in academic programming, community engagement, and partnership development. Keiara possesses extensive experience managing strategic initiatives and cultivating collaborative relationships with area businesses to support work-based learning programs.

In her previous role as Youth Development and Community Engagement Manager at Goodwill Industries, Keiara successfully designed and implemented impactful career exploration programs and led successful summer youth initiatives. Her expertise in operations management, strategic planning, and program evaluation consistently ensured alignment with organizational goals. Keiara also served as a key strategic partner with Grand Valley State University in the Battle Creek Central High School Educational Transformation initiative, excelling in industry engagement, high school outreach, and leading impactful programs.

Keiara's dedication to excellence and passion for empowering others are evident in her innovative approach to building and strengthening partnerships with business and academic leaders in Battle Creek and throughout Southwest Michigan.

Sara Reed, M.A., GCDF

Assistant Director of Students, Southwest Michigan

(616) 331-7611

[email protected]

Sara Reed holds a Bachelor of Science in History from Grand Valley State University and a Master of Arts in Higher Education Leadership from Siena Heights University. With over 15 years of experience in higher education, she has served in various roles, including Student and Community Services, TRIO Student Support Services, and as a Career Services Specialist at Kellogg Community College.

In her current role as Assistant Director of Students, Sara provides comprehensive and proactive academic advising to students enrolled in online/hybrid programs, supporting them throughout their academic journey from initial interest to graduation.

Sara is thrilled to work for her alma mater and continue to serve the community she has called home for many years.

Leslie Strickland

Office Assistant

(616) 331-7610

[email protected]

Leslie Strickland has served both Kalamazoo and Van Buren counties through the Upward Bound and Michigan GEAR UP Program at Western Michigan University (WMU). Prior to her time at WMU, she spent more than a decade in the financial industry. Leslie is passionate about supporting learners in Battle Creek and throughout the southwestern Michigan communities.

Jenni DuBois, MBA

Student Services Coordinator

(517) 796-8674

[email protected]

Jenni DuBois holds both a bachelor's degree and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Business Administration with a concentration in Leadership Studies from Baker College. A lifelong resident of the Jackson, Michigan area, she is a graduate of Northwest Community Schools.

With over 20 years of experience in higher education, Jenni has a proven track record in various student services areas, including financial aid and academic advising. She is eager to foster strong relationships between GVSU and the Jackson community.

Ryan Hoppenworth

Student Services Coordinator

(616) 331-7623

[email protected]

Ryan holds a Bachelor of Arts in Film Studies with a minor in History from Michigan State University. He previously served as the Strategy Assistant for Recruitment and Alumni Engagement at the Michigan College Access Network (MCAN), where he also led member recruitment for MCAN's two statewide AmeriCorps programs: Advise MI and College Completion Corps. Ryan further supported students at Kellogg Community College through MCAN and worked within the Advising Corps at Michigan State University.