Grand Valley appoints new vice president

Grand Valley State University President Thomas J. Haas announced today that longtime administrator Lynn McNamara Blue will be promoted to the newly created position of vice president for Enrollment Development.

Blue has been with the university for 47 years and currently serves as vice provost and dean for Academic Services and Information Technology.

Haas said the new position fits into Grand Valley’s strategic plan, which addresses the need to manage enrollment for the future health of the institution. He also said Blue has the ideal resume and skillset to handle the growing complexities of enrollment management.

“I respect Lynn’s work and dedication to this university,” Haas said. “She’s been around nearly as long as Grand Valley has been in business. And she has the leadership and capacities it takes to make sure we anticipate and adapt to the pressures caused by changing demographics and dwindling state support. Enrollment development has become more complex, and I welcome Lynn’s presence on my senior management team.”

Blue started at Grand Valley in 1968 when one filing cabinet was sufficient to hold student records, including her own as she earned her master’s degree while working full time. She quickly grew in her chosen field right along with the university, and said she welcomes this new opportunity.

“It’s a bit of a challenge, and it’s also exciting,” Blue said. “This has been my life’s work, and it’s rewarding to be able to do it at a higher level. We must be strategic and we must adapt to a changing world, and I’m looking forward to working with the Board of Trustees, President Haas and the other vice presidents to ensure the continued success of Grand Valley and its students.”

Grand Valley has an enrollment of more than 25,000 students. Since the number of high school graduates is dwindling, Blue said the university must also look at retaining students and attracting transfer and graduate students to keep enrollment stable.

Blue assumes her new responsibilities this week. The work of the enrollment team will continue in a seamless manner, and Grand Valley is busy hosting orientations for the record number of freshmen and transfer students visiting campus.