Meet Our Staff
Professional Staff
Nykia D. Gaines
Associate Vice President for Federal TRIO Programs, Division of Enrollment Development and Educational Outreach
Nykia D. Gaines, also known as Dr. G., started her journey at Grand Valley in the fall of 1994. As a freshman from Detroit, she was enthusiastic about her new life as a Laker. After earning her B.S. in Criminal Justice in 1998 from Grand Valley, Nykia pursued an M.Ed. with a specialization in College Student Affairs and Leadership in Grand Valley's Higher Education Master's Program. During her master's program, Nykia worked as a Graduate Assistant in Health and Wellness and in the Office of Housing and Residence Life. She also interned at the University of Detroit-Mercy in the office of International Services. After graduating with an M.Ed. in 2001, Nykia accepted a full-time position at GVSU as a Living Center Director in the Office of Housing and Residence Life. In the summer of 2008, she pursued a doctorate full-time at Bowling Green State University (BGSU) in Bowling Green, OH. As a doctoral fellow, Nykia worked in the College of Education and Human Development as an academic advisor. In May 2012, she graduated from BGSU with a Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration. Less than one-year post-doctorate, Dr. G. accepted her a position at GVSU. She is excited to be able to once again give back to a school that has continued to give to her, a Laker for a Lifetime. In her free time, Dr. G. enjoys caring for and playing with her rescue dog, Karma. She also enjoys traveling abroad, attending church, Skyping with distant friends, and spending time with her family.
You can email Dr. G. at [email protected]
Linda Rettig
Senior Director for TRIO College Programs
I am so excited to be a part of the TPSSS program and look forward to this new role. I have been with Grand Valley State University since 2007. I have worked in a few other departments but mostly worked with first generation students. Each of my supervisors have encouraged me to grow and learn which have prepared me for this position. I am very eager to continue the work we are doing but to get our students more involved in our planning processes. My favorite event is the Alternative Spring Break. .
Prior to GVSU, I was a K-12 educator. I am married with four grown children, one granddaughter, a dog, and a cat. Family is very important to me. As TRIO participants each of my students become my family.
Being a first generation student myself I know the importance of having support and resources and that is exactly what I am here to offer.
Email: [email protected]
Kia Delaney
Assistant Director of Trio Teacher Prep
Kia Delaney is a dedicated educator and program leader with over 15 years of experience empowering students to overcome barriers and achieve their academic and personal goals. As a first-generation, non-traditional college graduate, Kia earned her Bachelor of Arts in Education from Aquinas College and a Master’s in Educational Leadership from Grand Valley State University, exemplifying her commitment to lifelong learning and growth. Her professional portfolio includes the development and implementation of career exploration initiatives and financial literacy programs tailored to high school students preparing for post-secondary opportunities. Her ability to design engaging, experiential curricula has resulted in measurable improvements in student engagement and success.
Kia has been married to Pastor Darrell Delaney for 20 years and is the proud mother of three children. In addition to her professional work, she volunteers with the Boys and Girls Club, where she mentors and supports youth in her community. Kia’s collaborative leadership style, combined with her expertise in advising and mentoring diverse student populations, aligns seamlessly with the mission and vision of TRIO TPSSS. She is passionate about fostering inclusive learning environments, driving student retention, and supporting academic excellence through evidence-based practices and strategic interventions. In her spare time, Kia enjoys relaxing near water, dancing, and listening to music—activities that bring her joy and balance to her busy life. Kia is eager to bring her expertise and dedication to TRIO TPSSS, furthering its mission to support students on their educational journeys with purpose and confidence.
You can email Kia here: [email protected]
Hannah Scholten
Program Advisor
Hannah graduated from the Grand Valley College of Education in 2009. She then went on to work in the education field for over ten years. She began running an after school enrichment program for a high school in the Detroit area. She then moved to the east coast and taught high school and middle school English and History in both the Baltimore and Washington, DC areas. Additionally, she worked as a Senior Program Instructor for the Close-Up Foundation. After having her son, she and her husband moved back to Grand Rapids and she continued her career in education by providing middle school reading intervention and extension services to 5th-8th grade students. She is now back at Grand Valley as the Program Advisor for TRIO TPSSS and is thrilled to be a Laker again!
You can email Hannah at [email protected]
Graduate Assistant
Tyler Dorsey
Graduate Assistant
I’m a really excited to work with everyone this upcoming semester. I’m really looking forward to instilling change and support into students that come and interact with our office.
I love to see improvement in others and I’m always pushing for it. Mostly though I’m excited to make more connections with faculty and students overall.
Click here to schedule an appointment with me:
https://gvsu.campus.eab.com/pal/EOpoIGfBG5
TRIO TPSSS Graduate Assistant sitting on steps for a professional photo.