Campus community mourns death of campus psychologist

The Grand Valley community is mourning the death of Mary Jo Thiel, a longtime psychologist in the University Counseling Center, who died February 25. She was 60.

Thiel joined Grand Valley in 1997. She provided clinical services to students, served as a clinical supervisor to mental health trainees and coordinated services for the University Counseling Office's satellite locations. 

"MJ's counseling provided comfort to thousands of students," said Amber Roberts, director of the University Counseling Center. "She was known for her expertise in supporting LGBTQ students and providing couples counseling. Her core values of service to the community, compassion for the human condition, and the power of positive thinking were steadfast. We will miss the sound of her laughter, and we will honor the ways she enriched our lives." 

Thiel worked in a variety of roles as a counselor and therapist before joining Grand Valley. In 2004, she began a successful private practice. She earned a bachelor's degree, master's degree and doctorate from Western Michigan University. 

Click here for her obituary.