Ben Witt (he, him, his)

Director
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (616) 331-2747

Ben is a proud Grand Valley State University alumnus having graduated in 2002 with a Bachelor’s Degree in History and Criminal Justice. He received his Master’s of Science in Administration from Central Michigan University.

Prior to rejoining the GVSU community in October 2021, Ben worked in the Office of Student Conduct, Rights, and Responsibilities at California State University, Chico. Prior to that he served as the Associate Dean of Students at Humboldt State University. He has also held various positions in student affairs at Purdue University and Central Michigan University. Ben began his career in federal law enforcement with the United States Secret Service in Washington, DC.

Whenever possible, Ben believes in a restorative approach to student conduct and conflict resolution that focuses on repairing and building relationships in the campus community through a collaborative, empathetic, and educational process. He is active in the Association for Student Conduct Administration and completed the ASCA’s Student Conduct Director Track of the Donald D. Gehring Academy in 2015 at the University of California, Berkeley.

Strengths: Restorative | Context | Adaptability | Individualization | Strategic

Reneé Malkowski (she, her, hers)

Assistant Director
Email: [email protected]

As a Conflict Resolution Facilitator and licensed attorney with over 20 years practical litigation and mediation experience, I am committed to restorative practices as a guide in resolving conflict, reducing harmful behavior, and promoting positive outcomes for students.

Affiliations:
State Bar of Michigan Alternative Dispute Resolution Section
State Bar of Michigan Administrative & Regulatory Law Section

Strengths: Input | Individualization | Intellection | Relator | Learner

Chelsea Farley, MEd (She/Her/Hers)

Conduct Resolution Facilitator

Email: [email protected]

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.

Beth Vendal (She / Her / Hers)

Office Assistant

Email: [email protected]

Beth Vendal joined Grand Valley State University in November 2022 as the Office Assistant in the Dean of Students Office.  Beth provides administrative and clerical support for the Assistant Dean of Students, Director of Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution and Dean of Students Office, which includes planning, coordination, implementation of projects, events and services.

Beth graduated from Kennesaw State University with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Marketing and a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology.  Her career has included several administrative support roles including local government and public schools.

Beth makes her home in Jenison.  She is the proud mother of five adult children and grandmother of three.  Beth enjoys spending time with family, reading, and long walks.

Strengths: Connectedness | Learner | Empathy | Belief | Developer