Organizational and administrative changes among several divisions at Grand Valley were announced September 30.
The Office of Multicultural Affairs, Women's Center and Milton E. Ford LGBT Resource Center will move from being housed in the Student Services Division to the Division of Inclusion and Equity. Bart Merkle, vice provost for Student Affairs and dean of Students, led the development of the centers and will assist with the transition.
Gayle R. Davis, provost and executive vice president for Academic and Student Affairs, said the move has the potential to allow the centers to engage with faculty and staff while continuing to focus on students.
A memorandum of understanding is being developed to ensure collaboration between all units. It includes a joint appointment that reports to the Vice Provost of Student Affairs and Jesse Bernal, vice president for Inclusion and Equity. Marlene Kowalski-Braun, current assistant vice provost for Student Affairs, will fill that role as associate vice provost for Student Affairs and Inclusion.
Enrollment Development moved from Academic and Student Affairs to its own division led by Lynn "Chick" Blue, vice president for Enrollment Development.
Nancy Giardina, vice provost for Student Success, will return to being a faculty member and conclude her role in the Provost Office at the end of the fall semester. The Student Academic Success Center, led by Giardina, will now be housed in the Student Services Division.
