Fatma Mili, Provost

President Philomena V. Mantella announced the appointment of Fatma Mili as the next provost and executive vice president for Academic Affairs of the university. Mili is currently the dean of Computing and Informatics at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. 

Mili was chosen from a national pool of candidates, and she was among three finalists who came to GVSU to present to the community and answer questions. She earned her doctorate from the Universite Pierre et Marie Curie in Paris, France. She knows Michigan from her time at Oakland University in the School of Engineering. She then moved to Purdue University as department head of computer information technology, becoming executive director of the TransSTEM Center. She has been at UNC Charlotte since 2017. 

Mili has spent her career broadening participation and equity in education, curricular design, pedagogical innovation and faculty and staff professional development. She has integrated technology into curriculum in all disciplines to better prepare students for rapidly evolving careers in every sector. She said she is excited about the energy and opportunities at Grand Valley.

“I really like the genesis of Grand Valley, being created by the community with a liberal education base,” said Mili. “I am impressed by President Mantella’s vision and how she has made the planning process for the future inclusive. It is not a timid plan, but one that recognizes the challenges higher education is facing.”

Mantella said she is impressed by Mili’s international experiences, her ability to speak multiple languages and her track record of blazing new trails in education and research, along with her commitment to innovation and diversity.

Jennifer Hall-Jones, Vice President for Student Affairs

Jennifer Hall-Jones was named Grand Valley’s first vice president for Student Affairs. 

Hall-Jones, who had been interim vice president for Student Affairs at Ohio University, was chosen from a national pool of candidates and was one of four candidates who visited campus for public interviews in November. 

President Philomena V. Mantella said Hall-Jones rose to the top because of her deep experience in student affairs and her proven focus on students’ well-being.

“Jenny has extensive experience working at all levels of student affairs,” Mantella said. “She has risen through the ranks at her current university, which gives her incredible depth. She is committed to inclusion and is an advocate for students, in keeping with our mission.”

Hall-Jones has spent her academic and professional career at Ohio University in Athens. She earned her Ph.D. in higher education administration, a master’s degree in education and a bachelor of arts degree in sociology/criminology. She has spent 25 years working in higher education beginning in residence life, moving through the dean’s office, eventually becoming senior associate vice president for Student Affairs and dean of students.