Young Professional in Higher Education, based in west Michigan, is a collective of professionals from area universities and colleges who organize a variety of programs each academic year. These seminars are designed to help young professionals develop, learn and network alongside their colleagues in an effort to nourish successful and satisfying careers in higher education. Whether you are a faculty or staff member, we extend an open invitation to join us for programming that will help you make the most of your career.

If you are interested in learning more about and/or joining the Leadership Committee, please submit the Leadership Interest Form.

Kristina Broughton

Social Media Coordinator & Adjunct Instructor for Graphic Design, Muskegon Community College
[email protected]
LinkedIn

Kristina graduated from Grand Valley State University in 2014 with a BA in Advertising and Public Relations with a minor in Studio Art. Currently, Kristina is working towards an MA in Design degree at Kendall College of Art and Design of Ferris State University, specifically focusing her studies on design systems and thinking in higher education. In her free time, she loves exploring new places, creating art, and petting all the dogs.

Delaney Deisig

Graduate Assistant for the Seidman College of Business, Grand Valley State University
[email protected]
LinkedIn

Delaney is in her second year of the College Student Affairs Leadership (CSAL) M.Ed. program at Grand Valley State University. She is a graduate assistant in the Seidman College of Business and is currently completing her practicum as an academic success coach in the Student Academic Success Center at Grand Valley. In her time as a CSAL student, Delaney has gained experience in online education and microcredentials, career services, and has facilitated a course on academic success strategies. Delaney loves to travel, explore new restaurants, and spend time with her dog and husband!

Megan Ellinger

Events Coordinator, Humane Society of West Michigan 
[email protected]
LinkedIn

Megan Ellinger currently serves as the Events Coordinator at Humane Society of West Michigan where she uses her student affairs background to organize and implement large-scale programming and events to support animals in need. Before joining the HSWM team, she served as the Manager of Student Philanthropy at GVSU. Additionally, she teaches the Recreation, Health, and Wellness course at Grand Valley. Megan earned her Bachelor's degree from Central Michigan University in Recreation, Parks, and Leisure Service Administration with a concentration in Therapeutic Recreation and her Master's degree from Grand Valley State University in Education, specifically College Student Affairs Leadership. She is currently pursuing a graduate certificate in Nonprofit Leadership from GVSU. In her spare time, Megan enjoys spending time with her family, friends, and her dog!

Courtney Geurink

Assistant Director Alumni Relations, Grand Valley State University
[email protected]
LinkedIn

Courtney is the Assistant Director of Alumni Relations for Grand Valley State University. Graduating from GVSU in 2009 with a B.S. in Hospitality and Tourism Management, she recently completed the Nonprofit Leadership Certificate program and is now working on her Masters in Social Innovation. Prior to joining the Alumni Relations team in 2016, she was the Director of Program and Events at The Chamber of Commerce Grand Haven, Spring Lake, Ferrysburg. She joined YPHE to develop relationships and make connections with peers in higher ed. Courtney enjoys cooking, traveling, golfing, and spending time with her husband and their English Lab, Molli. 

Lindsey Hansen

Assistant Director of Admissions, Aquinas College
[email protected]
LinkedIn

Lindsey is an Assistant Director of Admissions for Aquinas College. She’s been in the admissions office at Aquinas for the past five years, working with all different populations in Michigan and out of state. She graduated from Aquinas in 2012 with a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre and Community Leadership. Lindsey is also a part of the Alumni Association Leadership Council at Aquinas and on the Professional Development Committee with MACAC (Michigan Association for College Admissions Counseling). In her spare time, Lindsey loves to read, travel and laugh with her family and friends, and participate in theatre around the Grand Rapids area.

Sabbi Merz

She/her/hers
Prevention Specialist, Michigan State University
[email protected]
LinkedIn

Sabbi has been a Prevention Specialist in the Prevention, Outreach, and Education Department at Michigan State University since 2018. She coordinates workshops about gender-based violence prevention for first- and second-year students. She has a B.A. in Interpersonal Communication and M.A. in Educational Leadership for Higher Education and Student Affairs, both from Western Michigan University. In her free time, Sabbi enjoys playing guitar, watching hockey, and hanging out with friends.

Meagan Saxton

Social Media Coordinator, Grand Valley State University
[email protected]
LinkedIn

Meagan is the social media coordinator for Grand Valley State University and co-manages all of the university’s social accounts. She also covers the Division of Student Affairs for GVNext, Forum and Grand Valley Magazine. Prior to joining the University Communications team in 2018, Meagan was a print journalist for MLive Media Group. She earned her B.A. in journalism from Michigan State University in 2016. In her spare time, Meagan enjoys running, seeing live music and traveling to new places. She lives in downtown Grand Rapids with her husband and cat.

Sarah Tibbe

Admissions Counselor, Grand Valley State University
[email protected]
LinkedIn

Sarah Tibbe received her B.A. in International Relations and Economics and M.Ed. in College Student Affairs Leadership, both from Grand Valley State University.  Sarah served as a department administrator at the Van Andel Institute supporting various researchers and doctoral students, then returned to her roots to work at GVSU. She served in the Admissions office supporting transfer student recruitment and new student orientation in addition to advising student-athletes. She currently serves as an Admissions Counselor supporting domestic and international students looking to join GVSU. In her free time, Sarah enjoys being active outdoors, testing her cooking skills, and traveling to new places.

Valerie Wojciechowski

Photographer, Grand Valley State University
[email protected]
LinkedIn

Valerie creates imagery for GVNext, Grand Valley Magazine and other university publications. She also documents a variety of university events. She has been working with the University Communications photography team since her first year as a student at Grand Valley. During her time as a student photographer, she gained hands-on experience and developed a passion for the Grand Valley community. After graduating with a B.A. in photography in 2019, she began her current role as an adjunct photographer.

Valerie is a member of the University Photographers Association of America and loves meeting and collaborating with other creatives.

Robert Zinger

Living Center Director, Grand Valley State University
[email protected]
LinkedIn

Robert is a Living Center Director in Housing & Residence Life at Grand Valley State University, overseeing the operations of the communities on the Pew Campus and creating residential and student employee curriculum. He graduated from GVSU in 2012 with a B.S. in Political Science and from Central Michigan University in 2018 with his Master’s in Higher Education Administration. Prior to returning to GVSU, he worked as an Assistant Director at SpringHill Camps and a Colony Development Consultant at Sigma Pi Fraternity, International. He serves on the Executive Committee of GVSU’s Young Alumni Council and has spent two years coordinating communications here at YPHE. In his free time, Robert enjoys cooking, civic engagement, spending time at Lake Michigan, and walking his dog, Ellie.