Jessica Saint Amour, PhD- Assistant Vice President

Jessica Saint Amour (she/her/hers) is currently involved in a number of higher education and and social justice organizations and is a reviewer for The Diversity and Higher Education Journal. Jessica’s writing has on higher education theory and practice has been published in the Journal Progressive Policy and Practice, The National Women's Studies Journal, Paradigm Magazine, Demeter Press, and Emerald Press. Jessica earned her bachelor’s degree at Bowling Green State University in English, her master’s degree from Eastern Michigan University in Women’s and Gender Studies, and her doctorate at the University of Missouri in Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis. 

Office Address: 1240 KC
Phone: (616) 331-2754
Email: [email protected]  
Schedule an appointment with Jessica

Rebeca Barajas-Juarez- Student Success Coach

Rebeca Barajas-Juarez (she/her/hers) has served as a Student Success Coach in the Office of Student Support and Belonging since 2021. She works closely with students from all backgrounds and currently oversees various scholarship programs in the office, including Challenge Scholars, Wade H. McCree, and Thompson Scholars. Rebeca earned her bachelor’s degree from Grand Valley State University in Behavioral Neuroscience with minors in Latin American Studies and Psychology, and is currently working towards her master’s degree in Higher Education.

Office Address: 1240 Kirkhof Center
Phone: (616) 331-5206
Email: [email protected]
Schedule an appointment with Rebeca 

Adrian Hall- Student Success Coach

Adrian Hall (he/him/his) works primarily with the Oliver Wilson Scholars Program and our Phoenix Pact Scholars. Outside of his regular duties, Adrian is involved in several committees within higher education and social justice organizations. Adrian currently serves as the Co-Chair for Lakers Unidos, Latino/a Faculty Staff Association at GVSU and serves as a committee member for the Committee to Honor César E. Chávez in Grand Rapids. Adrian earned his bachelor’s degree from Grand Valley State University in General Allied Health Sciences and a minor in Latin American Studies.

Office Address: 1240 Kirkhof Center
Phone: (616) 331-5211
Email: [email protected]
Schedule an appointment with Adrian

Samantha Mayse- Director of Thompson Scholars

Samantha Mayse (she/her/hers) is the Director of Thompson Scholars. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Hope College and more recently a master’s degree in social innovation from Grand Valley. Samantha has worked at Grand Valley since 2015. In addition to overseeing the Thompson Scholarship programs, Samantha is involved with the university’s Strategic Enrollment Management Plan, which is focused on improving recruitment and retention efforts at Grand Valley.

Office Address: 4039 JHZ
Phone:  (616) 331-9202
Email: [email protected]
Schedule and appointment with Samantha

Brandy Thompson- Fostering Laker Success Grant Coordinator and Independent Living Skills Coach

Brandy (she/her) is a 2002 GVSU Alumni graduating with a BS in Biology.  She also earned a MA in College Counseling from Western Michigan University. 

For the past nine years she served as an Academic/Transfer Advisor for TRIO Student Support Services at Lake Michigan College working with first generation, low income and students with disabilities.  Within her advising role, she had the opportunity to mentor foster care youth. 

Office Address: 1201 Kirkhof Center 
Phone: (616) 331-2748
Email: [email protected]
Schedule and appointment with Brandy

Willie Wilson Jr.- Student Success Coach

Willie Wilson Jr (he/him) works primarily with Oliver Wilson Scholars while also managing Kalamazoo Promise Scholars. Outside of work, Willie is also pursuing a master’s degree in Adult and Higher education.  Willie is also a Spring 2018 Initiate of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. and earned his bachelor's degree in Exercise Science with an emphasis on Health and Instruction and Grand Valley State University.

Office Address: 1240 KC
Phone:  (616) 331-5200
Email: [email protected]
Schedule and appointment with Willie

Denzel Williams

Denzel Williams (him/him) has a passion for working with student athletes. He works with new and returning Oliver Wilson Scholars. 

Office Address: 1240 KC
Phone:  (616) 331-5202
Email: [email protected]

Schedule and appointment with Denzel

Dogan Copeland- Oliver Wilson Scholars Graduate Assistant

Dogan Copeland (he/him).  Dogan is the Oliver Wilson Scholars Graduate Assistant.  Dogan started his journey at Grand Valley in the fall of 2019 and finished his B.S. in Sports Management in 2023. He is currently pursuing an M.Ed. with an emphasis in College Student Affairs Leadership. In his free time he enjoys playing sports and video games. Dogan is also a basketball coach at a Grand Rapids high school.

Office Address: 1240 KC
Phone:  (616) 331-5200
Email: [email protected]
Schedule an appointment with Dogan

Lyndsay Curatolo - Thompson UPREP Graduate Assistant

Lyndsay Curatolo (she/her).  Lyndsay is the Thompson Scholars and UPREP Graduate Assistant.  She graduated from GVSU with her B.S. in Psychology in 2023. Lyndsay is currently pursuing her M.Ed. with an emphasis in College Student Affairs Leadership. In her free time, Lyndsay enjoys reading and exploring Grand Rapids.

Office Address: 1240 KC
Phone:  (616) 331-5200
Email: [email protected]

Keyeria McCormick - K-12 Pathways Graduate Assistant

Keyeria Mccormick (she/her) also goes by Key or MajorKey. Keyeria is the Graduate Assistant for K-12 Pathway programs. Keyeria is currently in the College of Student Affairs and Leadership Master's program and has a passion for working with first year students in college following graduation. She is a musical maestro with a knack for rap, so get ready to drop some beats and battle her during your appointment! 

Office Address: 1240 KC
Phone:  (616) 331-5200
Email: [email protected]

Faith McKinney - Fostering Laker Success Graduate Assistant

Faith McKinney (she/her) is the Graduate Assistant for the Fostering Laker Success program.  She is from Sault Ste. Marie and recently graduated with a BA in social work with a minor in psychology.  She is currently working towards her Masters of social work.  Prior to this position she was an intern for the Boys and Girls Club of Grand Rapids.  She enjoys reading, crafting, and dancing in her free time as well as spending time with her family, friends, and cat Sage.  

Office Address: 1201 KC
Phone:  (616) 331-2748
Email: [email protected]