Four questions with Vice President Robert Shorty

November 26, 2024 (Volume 48, Number 7)

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Robert Shorty, vice president for People, Equity, and Culture, started working at Grand Valley in late September. His position was designed to strategically advance human resources efforts and inclusion and equity initiatives to support faculty, staff and students.

Shorty earned a doctoral degree in organizational development from Benedictine University, a master's degree in human resources management from Keller Graduate School and a bachelor's degree in sociology from Illinois State University. He has an extensive background in human resources and developing impactful diversity, equity and inclusion programs at corporations. Below, he discusses his initial impressions of Grand Valley and plans to support the Laker community. Read more about Shorty in this GVNext article. 

You have worked at Grand Valley for two months. Talk about your initial impressions.
The warm welcome and genuine support I've received from everyone has been truly heartwarming. It's clear that Laker pride runs deep, and I'm honored to be a part of this amazing family.

Every morning, I'm awestruck by the beauty of this campus. It's not just a place of learning, it's an inspiring environment that fosters creativity and connection. And the passion for GVSU is palpable. Everyone here is deeply invested in making this university the best it can be. What truly excites me is the energy and hope I see in our students. They are the heart and soul of GVSU and their enthusiasm is contagious. Spending time with them reminds me why we do what we do.

The People, Equity and Culture Division is a new initiative. How do you plan to connect the university's people-centered operations and bring awareness to the division?
The PEC division is committed to weaving itself into the fabric of the university. Here's how we plan to do it:

• Loud and clear communication: We'll launch a vibrant campaign to introduce the PEC division, its mission and goals. We'll also regularly share success stories and data to demonstrate the impact of our work.
• Collaboration: We are partnering with departments across campus to align on PEC principles to infuse into our daily operations to support, develop and show care for our people. We're also reaching out to the wider community through collaborations with local organizations and alumni.
• Learning Opportunities: We'll provide learning opportunities for all faculty, staff and students on a range of topics.
• Listening and Learning: To ensure we're making a real difference, we'll regularly seek feedback on our initiatives and programs to continuously improve. 

Ultimately, the PEC division aims to be more than just a division. We want to foster a true culture of development, support, resources, equity and belonging across the university.

You have worked at some of the country's biggest corporate names: Nike, Starbucks, Target. What intrigued you about higher education and this position?
I'm deeply grateful for the experiences and opportunities I gained in the corporate world. Those experiences helped shape my skills as a human resources leader and DEI practitioner and provided invaluable insights into my understanding of organizational dynamics.

However, I've always felt a pull toward higher education. The opportunity to contribute to the development of future leaders, to shape young minds and to foster a more inclusive and equitable learning environment truly spoke to my purpose. 

When this position at Grand Valley became available, it felt like the perfect match. It allowed me to bring my unique background and skillset to an institution that shares my values. Also, this move brought me closer to my hometown of Chicago, which means I can spend more time with my family and friends, especially my adorable 4-year-old niece, Aspen. That personal connection adds another layer of meaning to my work here at GVSU.

What's a hobby you enjoy?
My real passion outside of work is travel! I believe immersing yourself in different cultures is one of the most powerful and enriching experiences a person can have. It broadens your perspective, challenges your assumptions and connects you to the world in a profound way. I've been fortunate enough to visit every continent except Antarctica. There's something truly special about Ghana, West Africa. It's become my home away from home. The people, the culture, the vibrant energy — it's a place that captures my heart every time I visit. 

Travel, for me, is more than just sightseeing. It's about connecting with people, learning their stories and understanding their way of life. It's about stepping outside my comfort zone and embracing the unknown. And ultimately, it's about coming home with a renewed appreciation for the world and my place in it.

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