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).

Molly Landa

Molly graduated from Grand Valley with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies and a minor in Writing; during this time, she was greatly involved on campus in various ways. Molly worked six on-campus jobs, held multiple positions in her sorority, and studied abroad in Rome, Italy. Through these experiences, she discovered her love for working with college students, leading her to pursue a career in student affairs. 

Currently, Molly is a Graduate Assistant at the GVSU Career Center. She advises students on career exploration, writing resumes, and preparing for interviews. Her favorite part of her job is watching students identify their unique skills and translate them into career opportunities that align with their values and goals. Outside of work and class, Molly enjoys doing pottery, reading, and exploring West Michigan. 

Top 5 Strengths: Harmony | Consistency | Deliberative | Maximizer | Focus
Personality Type: ISTJ-T (Logistician)
 

Sydney Bunk

Sydney earned her degree in International Relations from Grand Valley State University, with minors in Human Rights and Writing. During her undergraduate studies, she spent a transformative semester abroad in Seoul, South Korea learning about new cultures and cities. Upon returning to Michigan, she began working at the Padnos International Center as a student worker, which inspired her to pursue a Master’s degree in Higher Education.

Now serving as the Graduate Assistant for Faculty-Led Study Abroad Programs at GVSU’s Padnos International Center. She is passionate about making international education accessible and helping students navigate the challenges and rewards of studying abroad. Outside of work, Sydney enjoys reviewing films on Letterboxd, volunteering at a local cat shelter, and exploring cafes in Grand Rapids. 

Clifton Strengths Top 5: Woo | Communication | Developer | Positivity | Adaptability
Personality Type: ENFP (Campaigner)

Miranda Schriedel

Miranda obtained her degree in History and Classics from Grand Valley State University in 2023. She was an active member of our campus community, serving as a member of CAB and Archeological Society, as well as acting as Editor-in-Chief for the Grand Valley State University Journal of History. She was also a proud student employee in Event Services, working all three positions there before returning to the office as their Graduate Assistant in Fall of 2024. This graduate position allows her to expand her knowledge about student professional development, as well as forming bonds with those around her and showing them the value of contributing to their campus community through their work.

Outside of work, Miranda loves reading rom-com and fantasy novels or competing at local Trivia Nights with her friends. She is excited for this opportunity to construct programming for her fellow graduate students to give them a chance to bond and relax outside of their busy schedules.

CliftonStrengths Top 5: Consistency, Context, Empathy, Arranger, Harmony Personality Type: ESFJ-T (Consul)

Paul Bylsma

Assistant Professor of Educational Leadership and Counseling

Email: bylsmapa@gvsu.edu

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).