Nora Salas, Director

Dr. Nora Salas began her term as Director of the Kutsche Office of Local History in August 2021.

Dr. Salas is an Associate Professor of History at Grand Valley State University. She comes to the position of Director with a rich background in community organizations. Her directorship of the Kutsche Office is a continuation of her commitment to helping diverse communities claim their place in West Michigan's history. Dr Salas' academic research examines the intersections of political thought, class, region, and gender on Chicano identity, along with changes in ethnic Mexican migrant labor in West Michigan from the 1980s to the present. Dr. Salas holds a PhD and MSW from Michigan State University and a BA from the University of Michigan. Outside of work, she enjoys messy gardening, slow hiking, overly elaborate science fiction, and spending time with her husband and daughter.

Office Address: 163 Lake Michigan Hall
Phone: (616) 331-8099
Email:  [email protected]

Ryan Moore

Office Coordinator

Ryan Moore supports the following programs and offices: the Area and Global Studies program, and the Kutsche Office of Local History.

Ryan Moore joined GVSU in June 2024. He splits his time between the Kutsche Office of Local History and the Area & Global Studies cluster within the School of Interdisciplinary Studies, all within Brooks College. Ryan holds a B.S. in Secondary Education in Social Studies from Northern Michigan University in Marquette. Prior to joining GVSU, Ryan worked as a substitute teacher in the Kent County area. He enjoys going on hikes, reading about history and politics, playing video games, hunting down good horror movies, and playing with his cats.

Office Address: 167 Lake Michigan Hall (Kutsche Office) and 229 Lake Ontario Hall
Phone: (616) 331-8099 & (616) 331-8110
Email: [email protected]

Sydney Nummerdor

Research Assistant

Hi! My name is Sydney Nummerdor. This is my first year at Grand Valley State University and I am majoring in Behavioral Neuroscience. I’ve lived in Clare, Michigan, my entire life and graduated from Clare High School. Outside of work and school, I am a part of the Stage drama club here at GVSU and am looking forward to performing in my first production with the club this November! Besides that I really enjoy spending time with my friends, family, and partner, as well as my cat. I also enjoy playing video games when I’m able to find time. I am very excited to have the opportunity to work with the Kutsche Office and engage with all it has to offer!

Brooke Stewart

Research Assistant

Hello! My name is Brooke Stewart. I'm a junior here at Grand Valley and I'm studying Group Social Studies and Secondary Education. I transferred to GVSU in the fall of 2023 from SVSU. I'm from Taylor, MI, which is in the Metro Detroit area. Outside of school and work I like to do anything outdoors. I love hiking, fishing, camping, etc. I'm very excited to be a part of the Kutsche Office team!