Stansbie named acting dean of the College of Community and Public Service

Paul Stansbie has been named acting dean of the College of Community and Public Service, replacing George Grant Jr., who accepted a position as chancellor at Penn State Berks in Pennsylvania.

Stansbie was serving as associate dean of CCPS. Since joining Grand Valley in 2003, Stansbie has been a faculty member and chair of the Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management. 

He has more than 20 years of higher education teaching and leadership experience working within hospitality and tourism education programs at graduate and undergraduate levels in England, Hong Kong and the Maldives.

Stansbie has an MBA from the University of Nottingham, England, and a Ph.D. in tourism business management from the University of Plymouth, England.

Grant became dean of CCPS in July 2008 after serving as director of the School of Social Work. He also served as program director for both the bachelor’s and master’s of social work programs and was a faculty member for 15 years.

Grant earned a bachelor’s degree from Marygrove College, a master’s degree from Grand Valley and a doctorate from Western Michigan University. His areas of specialty include child and family services, and child welfare.

“I am grateful to Dean Grant for the leadership he provided to the college,” said Maria Cimitile, provost and executive vice president for Academic and Student Affairs. “He built a strong and sustainable college.”

Cimitile said Grant was a strong advocate for the facilities, staffing and other resources needed to ensure excellent teaching and learning across the disciplines. “George’s work as dean was marked by wisdom, insight, creativity, humor and a humble spirit – he is a servant leader,” she said. “I know we will all miss his presence and contributions to our community.”