The Student Affairs Graduate Association (SAGA) is a registered student organization exclusive to GVSU graduate students pursuing a Master's in Higher Education.

SAGA strives to empower graduate students to contribute to the enrichment of their education and program through active scholarship, community building, and professional networking, and to uphold the mission and values of GVSU and the College of Education and Community Innovation in all its functions and programming.

Some of the opportunities open to members of SAGA include social events, professional development opportunities, CSAL orientation events, and community outreach opportunities in the greater Grand Rapids and Grand Valley communities.

In addition to these internal opportunities, SAGA--through the Graduate Student Association (GSA)--provides its members with financial assistance when attending conferences having to do with higher education to students in the CSAL program. Guidelines for funding are determined by SAGA and the Graduate Student Association (GSA).

Zoe Shimones

Zoe graduated from Michigan State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and a minor in Leadership in Organizations. While at Michigan State, Zoe worked multiple positions including peer academic advising, student activities, and residence life. She was also a proud member of Delta Gamma Fraternity and served in multiple positions within her chapter. Zoe is currently a Master of Education student in the College Student Affairs Leadership program and serves as the Graduate Assistant Academic and Enrichment Advisor in the Frederik Meijer Honors College. In her free time, Zoe loves to hang out with friends, go see musicals, and bake. 

Chloe Dingens

Chloe graduated from Grand Valley State University Frederik Meijer Honors College with a degree in psychology and a minor in business. In undergrad Chloe was involved in various clubs (Helping Hands, Society for Human Resource Management, Meditation and Mindfulness, Beekeepers Club) and worked on campus in a range of offices; her time with the Student Accessibility Resources (DSR) inspired her to pursue CSAL.

Chloe loves to be in nature, especially near water. Chloe’s favorite hobby is looking for sea glass on the beach and also cherishes crafting, yoga, traveling, and learning from new perspectives. If you have any questions, let Chloe know!

Hayley Wilson

Hayley graduated from Grand Valley State University in 2023 with a Bachelor of Science in political science and a minor in international relations. During her time at Grand Valley Hayley worked in the Center for Women and Gender Equity as a violence prevention peer educator, student support manager, replenish basic needs center staff assistant, and as the interim violence prevention education coordinator. She was a member of students for choice, and college democrats during her undergraduate degree. She is entering her second year as a student in the Master of Education in Higher Education – College Student Leadership Affairs program. In her free time, Hayley enjoys playing video games, crocheting, watching reality TV, and reading.

Landyn Teachout

Landyn graduated from Grand Valley State University in 2023 with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies with a minor in Writing. While working toward completion of her undergraduate degree, Landyn worked at the GVSU Speech Lab as a Consultant and eventually as the Student Director. Additionally, Landyn served as a Resident Assistant (RA) for Housing and Residence Life for two years. Landyn is currently a student in the Master of Education in Higher Education with an emphasis in College Student Affairs Leadership program. She has a graduate assistantship with Housing and Residence Life. In her free time, Landyn enjoys going for walks with her basset hound Lola, trying new flavors of kombucha, and searching for new records for her collection. 

Paul Bylsma

Assistant Professor of Educational Leadership and Counseling

Email: [email protected]

B.A. Calvin College; M.Ed. Grand Valley State University; Ph.D. Michigan State University.

Dr. Paul Bylsma joined the faculty in August 2023. Prior to coming to GVSU Paul held roles in enrollment management, alumni relations, and supervising pre-service social studies student teachers. Paul holds a Doctorate in Higher, Adult, and Lifelong Education from Michigan State University. Paul's research utilizes sociomaterial theories to explore teaching, learning, knowledge, and practice in a higher education context as a complex encounter between people, space, and time. His recently-finished dissertation illuminates the hidden curriculum in undergraduate business education as a formative influence on students' embodied educational experiences.

Outside of academia, Paul's interests include reading, brewing, working and playing in the yard, and sustaining a household with his partner and two children.

Paul teaches courses in the Adult & Higher Education (AHE) and College Student Affairs Leadership (CSAL) programs, including The Adult Learner (EDH 648), Materials and Methods for Adult and Continuing Education (EDH 650), Theories of College Student Development (EDH 647), College Students in the United States (EDH 652), and advises master’s projects and theses (EDH 693/695).