Dantya Jennings
Program Director
Dantya Jennings is a graduate from Michigan State University with a Masters in Higher Adult and Lifelong Education coupled with a Higher Education teaching certification. Dantya has dedicated the last 10 years serving first-generation, low-income, and underrepresented populations gain access to higher education opportunities. She has held many positions within academia that emphasize her passion for academic success and establishing pathways that provide access to students.
Prior to her role as the Director of TRIO McNair Scholars program, Dantya served as the Director of Disability Services at Lansing Community College and as Case Manager for the Behavioral Intervention Team. She also previously served as the Director and Case Manager for the High School Diploma Completion Initiative at Lansing Community College. Dantya is an active member of Zeta Sigma Chi Multicultural Sorority, Incorporated, which has helped her push the initiative for a more diverse world. Dantya is a proud TRIO Upward Bound Alum from Grand Valley State University and is thrilled to be stepping into the role as a TRIO Director and has embodied the saying “TRIO WORKS”!
Dantya is truly excited to serve as the Director of McNair Scholars and is proud to now be a GVSU Laker!
Kolby Williamson
Office Coordinator
Kolby Williamson, born and raised in Saginaw, Michigan, brings with her a wealth of administrative experience spanning over 6 years. Her journey has been characterized by a deep commitment to supporting and empowering diverse student populations across various environments. Currently, Kolby is dedicated to furthering her education at Grand Valley, pursuing an undergraduate degree in Integrative Studies with a focus on Leadership.
Driven by a passion for purposeful work, Kolby found her calling in TRIO programs. She resonates with TRIO's ethos of unconditional love and support for students, seeing it as a platform where individuals are nurtured to reach their fullest potential. Kolby's profound desire to assist others and serve as a pillar of support aligns perfectly with the ethos of TRIO. She envisions herself as an integral part of this community, where her dedication to helping others flourish can truly make a difference.
Kolby is so excited and grateful to be apart of the GVSU family!
Ophelia Zornu
Administrative Assistant
Ophelia Zornu holds a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Ghana and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in social work at Grand State University. Ophelia is driven by a passion for promoting social, economic, and environmental justice, as well as respect and service to others.
With over four years of experience, Ophelia has focused on peer counseling and tutoring, offering invaluable guidance and mentorship to college students, particularly those from low-income and underrepresented backgrounds. Her efforts extend to teaching and research, aimed at nurturing academic success and holistic well-being among students, rooted in her unwavering belief in the transformative power of education and mentorship. Additionally, she holds certification as a Mental Health Ambassador from the GVSU Counseling Center.
Ophelia is excited to join the McNair team, where she aims to leverage her expertise and passion to support students in their academic and professional pursuits, empowering them to realize their full potential and make meaningful contributions to society.