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]