Housing & Residence Life Staff
Who's Who in the Living Centers?
Living Center Staff Members
Every GVSU Living Center is staffed with a variety of Housing and Residence Life student-level (RAs), graduate-level (HGAs), and professional-level employees (CDs). The name and contact information of each CD is posted in every lobby. RAs will introduce themselves at move-in and will be present throughout the academic year. Every GVSU Living Center has a staff member available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you need assistance or have a housing-related question pertaining to your Living Center community, please contact your RA, CD, or Residential Desk. Should they be unable to assist you, the central housing office can be reached at (616) 331-2120.
STUDENT STAFF
Resident Assistants (RAs) are sophomore-level or higher, undergraduate and graduate students who live on-campus. There is at least one RA on every floor of each living center. They contribute to a positive community living experience by serving as a campus resource for first-year students, and by coordinating social and academic activities for residents. RA staff members serve in the HRL duty rotation and are extensively trained in crisis management, facilities management, campus policies/student code of conduct, and student development.
RA INFORMATION & COMMUNITY DESKS
GRADUATE STAFF
Housing Graduate Assistants (HGAs) are current GVSU graduate-level students who are pursuing a Master of Education with an emphasis in College Student Affairs Leadership. HGA's are live-in staff members and they assist Community Directors and the HRL leadership team with student engagement and residential conduct. HGA staff members serve in the HRL duty rotation and are extensively trained in crisis management, facilities management, campus policies/student code of conduct, and student development.
PROFESSIONAL STAFF
Community Directors (CDs) are professional staff members who have a Master's degree in student affairs. CDs are live-in staff members and they assist in the daily operations of residential communities housing 200-700 residents. These operations include administrative duties, managing conduct, supervising an RA staff, and providing support to residential students. CD staff members serve in the HRL duty rotation and have extensive experience in crisis management, facilities management, campus policies/student code of conduct, and student development.
Community Director Staff
Kirkpatrick, Swanson, Stafford, & Seidman
ANNA BOSMAN
Community Director
BS - Psychology; Grand Valley State University
Office: Kirkpatrick 102
Pronouns - She/Her/Hers
I've been working for Housing and Residence life at GVSU since 2018. I have worked as a student and in a multitude of professional roles. I am so excited to continue to serve our students in the Community Director role in the Back Four!
Holton-Hooker
CHELSEA FARLEY, MEd
Community Director
MEd – Higher Education & College Student Affairs Leadership; Grand Valley State University
BS – Criminal Justice; Grand Valley State University
Office: Holton-Hooker 128B
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
I started at GVSU in 2017 as a freshman and I instantly fell so in love with the campus, that I had to stay here and continue on with my master's degree. During my undergrad, I was involved in Greek life, I was a transitions leader, I worked at the Laker Store, and I was a campus tour guide. After being so involved, I realized I loved working with students and decided that working at a University is what I wanted to do. Now, I am working in Housing and Residence Life and I graduated from my master's program in August 2023.
Weed, Hoobler, Ott, & Johnson
ZACH JACOBS, MEd
Community Director
MEd – Higher Education & College Student Affairs Leadership; Grand Valley State University
Office: Johnson 103
Pronouns: He/Him/His
North C., Hills, & Frey
LAYTH ALMALLAH, MEd
Community Director
MEd - Higher Education & College Student Affairs Leadership; Grand Valley State University
BA - Advertising and Public Relations; Grand Valley State University
Office: North C 103
Pronouns: He/Him/His
I came to GVSU in 2017 as a freshman and finished my undergraduate degree in 2021 in Advertising and Public relations. Since I loved the campus and my experience so much, I chose to come back for graduate school at GVSU in student affairs. My time at GVSU allowed me to be a Resident Assistant, a tour guide, and a graduate assistant at GVSU's Career Center. I'm excited to be here in housing and help students feel like they are at home at GVSU, just like I did during my time as a student.
Kistler
DESTYNI DAVIS
Community Director
MEd - College Student Affairs Leadership; Grand Valley State University (In Progress, 2024)
BS - Sociology; Grand Valley State University
Office: Kistler 109
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
I proudly received my Bachelor of Science in Sociology from GVSU in the Spring of 2020 where I minored in African and African American studies and Women, Gender, and Sexuality studies. I was involved in the National Society of Collegiate Scholars, The National Society of Leadership and Success, Peter C. Cook Leadership Academy and served as an ambassador for the Office of Multicultural Affairs and ACTIVATE. I formerly served as the graduate assistant for Social Justice Education, Disability Support Resources, and the Office of Multicultural Affairs. I am in progress of receiving my M.Ed. here in the College Student Affairs Leadership program. I am looking forward to developing and strengthening my leadership excellence and cultivating meaningful relationships with the Kistler community because I lived there my freshman year. I am passionate about advocating for historically marginalized and underrepresented communities, facilitating meaningful and difficult dialogues, and raising awareness about the realities of those with intersectional identities and lived experiences. Moreover, I am thrilled about learning, growing, and being challenged in the world of Housing and Residence Life.
Robinson, Maple, Oak, & Pine
JASMINE DIXON, MBA
Community Director
MBA – College of Business; Lewis University
Office: Robinson 104A
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Jasmine has been a Community Director at GVSU since 2022. Before coming to GVSU, she earned her MBA from Lewis University and her BA in Business from Calvin University. Jasmine enjoys shopping and finding excellent bargains. She is an amazing barista and can make a mean latte.
Pew, Picard, Devos, & Copeland
BAILEY PUDLOWSKI
Community Director
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Niemeyer Apartments & Calder Art Housing
LINDSEY BOS
Community Director
MEd – Higher Education & College Student Affairs Leadership; Grand Valley State University (In Progress, 2024)
BM – Music Performance; Grand Valley State University
Office: Niemeyer 102W
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
After serving as a Resident Assistant for three years, I knew I wanted to continue working with university students. GVSU's Master of Higher Education was the perfect fit as it allowed me to continue being a member of Housing and Residence Life on campus, while being close to my family in my hometown of Muskegon, MI. Outside of this program, I play clarinet with the Holland Symphony, am a staff member with the Reeths-Puffer Marching Band, and love to spend time with my orange cat, Goose. Proud to be a Laker for a Lifetime, Anchor Up!
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Laker Village South Apartments (18-30)
MATT BRISTOL
Community Director
MEd - Higher Education; Grand Valley State University (In Progress; 2025)
BA - Spanish and Political Science; Grand Valley State University
Pronouns: He/Him/His
I first came to Grand Valley in August 2019 to begin my undergraduate degree and graduated in April 2023. During my time, I participated in the Cook Leadership Academy, study abroad, Residence Housing Association, and spent three years as an RA; this is where I fell in love with Housing and student affairs. I had such a great undergraduate experience at GV that I decided to stay for two more years to earn my master’s degree. Now I am excited to be back in Laker Village after being an RA in the community and especially to work with the International House!
Laker Village North Apartments (2-17)
KYANA SMITH
Community Director
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Murray, VanSteeland, & Grand Valley Apartments
JAY CHAPA
Community Director
BS - Advertising & Public Relations; Grand Valley State University
Pronouns: She/They
As a recent graduate of Grand Valley State University, I knew that I wanted to give back to a university that had given me so much. During my time as a student, I worked with campus departments such as the Career Center, Admissions Office, and Office of Student Life. Originally from the east side of the state, I am excited to be living in West Michigan and serving our on-campus Lakers!
South Apartments
ABAGAIL BOYD
Community Director
MS – Speech Language Pathology; Grand Valley State University (In Progress; 2025)
BS - Communication Sciences and Disorders; Grand Valley State University
Office: South E 101
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
GVSU has been my home since 2020, where I received my bachelors degree and am now pursuing my masters degree. I was an RA in South Apartments for most of my undergrad, and then transitioned into the Community Director role once I began graduate school. While my roots lie on the east side of the state, Allendale now has my heart, especially since stepping into my role in GVSU's Housing and Residence Life department.
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Winter & Secchia Hall
ZAC BLEVENS
Community Director
BA - Psychology and Criminal Justice; Grand Valley State University
Office: Winter 143
I started my adventure at GVSU in 2002 when I arrived as a Freshman. I instantly knew that GVSU was the right place for me. I graduated in 2008 with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Criminal Justice. I have always had a passion for Housing and Residence life and now I am back where I belong at GVSU. I look forward to building strong, diverse, and inclusive communities on campus.
Central Housing Office Staff
KYLE BOONE, PhD
Director of Housing & Residence Life
PhD – Higher Education Administration; Louisiana State University
MA – Education Administration and Leadership, specialization in Student Affairs; University of the Pacific
BA – Communication; University of Louisville
Pronouns: He/Him/His
I joined the Grand Valley team in the summer of 2020 as the new Director of Housing and Residence Life. As a scholar-practitioner, I have prided myself on remaining student-centered and allowing my enthusiasm for student development to shine through my work! To me, students are both scholars and teachers, and engaging both is vital to my call to service and is crucial for the advancement of the students I serve!
COLLEEN BAILEY, MA
Associate Director of Housing & Residence Life
MA – Student Affairs Administration; Michigan State University
BS – Child Development; Michigan State University
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
I joined the GVSU team in July of 2003 & love getting to work with so many fantastic students! Although I've worked in several offices across campus, Housing & Residence Life is my favorite because of the excitement & energy that students get to experience in learning to live independently. Just a little about me, I live in a small lakeshore community northwest of Allendale with my husband & our three boys. I love all things sports & outdoors & am always up for an adventure. StrengthsQuest * Individualization * Maximizer *Arranger * Input * Learner
MELANIE GROVER, MA
Associate Director of Housing & Residence Life
MA – Educational Leadership; Grand Valley State University
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
In September of 2021, I begin my 22nd year at GVSU, having worked in HRL since 2009. I have worked as an Assignment Coordinator, Housing Assistant, and Assistant Director of Systems. Currently, I am an Associate Director. My favorite part of my role in Housing is the ability to enhance processes, systems & services that our residents utilize to improve their experience on campus. My husband & I have 2 children & a poorly-behaved but very sweet yellow labrador.
CHUCK BROWN
Associate Director of Budget and Finance Student Affairs Auxiliary
BA - Hospitality Business; Michigan State University
Pronouns: He/Him/His
Chuck serves as Associate Director of Budget and Finance and brings with him 26 years of business experience. He is an ambitious and thoughtful leader who began working at GVSU as a Financial Analyst in 2001 with Campus Dining (now Laker Food Co.) His professional and life experiences have advanced him husband, father, professional, and entrepreneur. Chuck’s wealth of budget and finance experience serves the student community of GVSU by ensuring resources are available for Housing’s core mission. This service is furthered by a deep commitment to hospitality and, more importantly, people. In addition to his role with Housing and Residence Life he also supports the Children’s Enrichment Center with Budget and Finance.
BRANDIE TENNEY, M.Ed.
Assistant Director of Housing & Residence Life
M.Ed. – Higher Education Administration; North Carolina State
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
This will be my 15th year here at GVSU, specifically in Housing. Prior to this position, I worked in Residence Life at the University of Missouri in Columbia. I received my Master of Education from North Carolina State University & my bachelor's from Western Michigan University. I am originally from the Lansing area but now live in Allendale with my husband & three kids. We love attending sporting events and cheering on our LAKERS!
SUZY HERMAN, MEd
Assistant Director of Housing & Residence Life
MEd – Higher Education & College Student Affairs Leadership; Grand Valley State University
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
I have been at GVSU since 2010 & got my start right here in Housing & Residence Life as a graduate assistant. Since then, I served as a Living Center Director for four years, spent some time in the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships, & am now back as Residence Life Coordinator. I am so excited to be working with our on-campus students again! Though I was born & raised in the Chicago area, I have now spent almost a decade in Grand Rapids & call it home. My husband & I love exploring the growing city together.
KRISTEN ZERNICK, MS
Assistant Director for Conduct and CARE
MS - Higher Education; Florida State University
BA – International Relations; Grand Valley State University
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Although I am new to my role as of July 2023, it’s been a warm welcome home for me as Housing & Residence Life gave me my first student affairs opportunity back in 2009 when I became a resident assistant. For the past 8 years, I’ve been working in international education at the University of South Florida, and before that I was an Area Coordinator at Brandeis University. The glue that’s held my career together is community building. Every role I’ve held in higher education has been all about facilitating experiences that make students feel included and at home. In my free time, I love being out on the water, watching college football, and traveling (usually with my best friend, Miah, who was my RA in Stafford/Swanson back in 2008.)
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DEXTER EARNEY, MEd
Assistant Director for Administrative Services
MEd – Higher Education & College Student Affairs Leadership; Grand Valley State University
Pronouns: He/Him/His
I first joined Grand Valley State University Housing and Residence Life as a Graduate Assistant in 2011. After completing my Masters of Higher Education and College Student Affairs Leadership in 2013, I served as a Living Center Director in various communities on campus. From 2018-2020, I became the Assistant Director for Housing and Student Activities at the Kansas City Art Institute in Kansas City, Missouri (my home state). But now I'm back as the Assistant Director for Administrative Services at Grand Valley. They couldn't keep me away, and I truly love being a Laker for a Lifetime!
ADAM TATE, MBA
Housing & Residence Life Facilities Manager
MBA - Seidman College of Business; Grand Valley State University
Pronouns: He/Him/His
I have worked at GVSU since January of 2016. I previously worked in the healthcare industry for nearly 10 years providing support services to long term care facilities. I received my undergraduate degree in 2001 from Western Michigan University & am currently pursuing an MBA here at Grand Valley. I enjoy being able to walk this beautiful campus everyday as part of my job!
JUSTIN BEAN, MEd
Residence Life Coordinator - North Campus
MEd – Higher Education & College Student Affairs Leadership; Grand Valley State University
Pronouns: He/Him/His
I moved to Western Michigan and joined the fabulous team here at GVSU in the summer of 2017, and I traveled all the way from the state of Maine! I take pride in helping students be successful in college and to provide them with a memorable on-campus experience! By building relationships and connecting students to peers, faculty, and staff I hope to enrich the Grand Valley community and make everyone truly feel that they are a Laker for a Lifetime!
JASMINE PADIN, MEd
Residence Life Coordinator - South Campus & Downtown Campus
MEd – Higher Education & College Student Affairs Leadership; Grand Valley State University
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
MASON BENCH
Assistant Director of Occupancy and Operation Systems
BS - Grand Valley State University
I graduated from Grand Valley way back in 2014 and began my career here two years later. Most of my work occurs behind the scenes, but I enjoy the opportunities to work with individual students when able.
SHANNON PELTON, MA
Housing & Residence Life Occupancy Coordinator
MA - University of Nebraska, Lincoln
BA - Roanoke College
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
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LUKE JAROSZEWICZ
Adjunct Facilities Specialist
BBA - Grand Valley State University
Pronouns: He/Him/His
I started with Housing & Residence Life as a student employee during my first semester at GVSU in the fall of 2018. Since completing my Bachelor of Business Administration in 2022, I have enjoyed the opportunity to continue supporting the GVSU community in a professional role with Housing and am excited to be a part of the ongoing positive experience for students going forward.
EVYNN ROHDE
Operations Services Specialist
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
I first started working for HRL as soon as I got here, as a freshman during the Fall 2020 semester. Since then, I have served in a variety of roles including Desk Supervisor, Camps & Conference Assistant, Resident Assistant, and my current position of Operations Services Specialist. A fun fact about me is that I worked my first shift as a Desk Assistant before I went to my first ever college class! I have loved my time here at Grand Valley so far, and I don’t plan on going anywhere any time soon. I can’t wait for the memories that are yet to come!
MARIA LOVE
Housing Assistant
AAS - Ferris State University
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
I began my roll at GVSU in August of 2022 after working at my former job for 17 years. Although starting something new was a big move for me, I have found working at GVSU to be very rewarding. I enjoy working with our team, student workers, and love the atmosphere. On a side note, I grew up in northern Michigan with my parents and 5 siblings. Post college I lived mostly on the mid, west-side of Michigan. I have three daughters and two sons. In my free time I like boating, entertaining, and puzzles, but most of all spending time with family.
JASMINE YONKERS
Housing & Residence Life Assistant
BA – Communications; Grand Valley State University (In Progress; 2025)
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
In September 2021, I began my journey working in GVSU Housing. I find immense joy in supporting both the team and the students. While I am currently pursuing my undergraduate degree in Anthropology at GVSU, not only am I dedicated my academic growth, but my professional growth as well. Outside of work and studies, I find fulfillment in activities such as running and spending quality time with my family and friends.
Graduate Staff
ETHAN DEMAREST
Graduate Assistant
Pronouns: They/Them/Theirs
KATIE GORMAN
Graduate Assistant
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
LANDYN TEACHOUT
Graduate Assistant
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
ASHLEY PANGAN
Graduate Assistant
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Alex Tenney
Graduate Assistant
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers