GVSU names new vice president for Enrollment Development

Grand Valley State University has named B. Donta Truss as its new vice president for Enrollment Development. The university's Board of Trustees approved his appointment at its April 24, 2020 meeting, held virtually due to the COVID-19 Stay Home, Stay Safe order in Michigan.

Truss is currently the senior vice president for Enrollment Management, Students Affairs and Student Success at Shippensburg University in Pennsylvania. Prior to that, he held a similar role at Albany State University in Georgia. He earned a doctorate in educational leadership, policy and law; a master's degree in counseling; and a bachelor's degree in criminal justice, all from Alabama State University.

"We are fortunate to have found someone with Donta Truss' background in enrollment and retention," President Philomena V. Mantella said. "These areas have never been more critical, as we grapple with a global pandemic, the present demographic challenges of fewer high school seniors in Michigan, and as we seize the opportunity to serve more adult learners and enterprises across our state. We're looking forward to his energy and insight at Grand Valley and to his contributions to our broader community."

Truss' background includes a concentration on student success initiatives resulting in enrollment and retention increases at three previous universities. He developed a center for emerging scholars that included the Students First Program, a support program for first-generation students, and held the first Black Male Symposium at Shippensburg to focus efforts on the graduation rates of Black men. 

His professional life has been dedicated to helping all students obtain their degrees.

"My experience and my passions fit perfectly with the goals of Grand Valley," Truss said. "I am excited at the opportunity to work with the dedicated team at the university to make sure we recruit strong students and help them obtain their degrees. I look forward to getting started."

Truss will join the university on July 10, moving into the role currently held by Vice President Lynn (Chick) Blue, who has had a remarkable 52-year career with Grand Valley. Blue will be serving as a part-time advisor in the president's office during a transition period.