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LAKER Academic Center Staff Profiles

Damon Arnold, PhD Director, Student Services for Laker Academics arnoldda@gvsu.edu

In addition to working full time as the Director for Academic Services in Grand Valley State's Athletic Department, Damon has taught numerous classes at the University. He holds an A.A. in Behavior Science (Citrus Community College), a B.A. and M.A. in Sociology (Chico State University), as well as an M.S. in Sports Psychology (University of Idaho). Damon also received his Ph.D. in Education Administration (Washington State University).  As you can tell from his educational accomplishments, Damon truly believes in life-long learning. It is his goal to inspire his student-athletes to confidence in all situations, by encouraging education to inspire a generation. He wants to help young men and women understand that correct decisions and choices are an important part of life.

Alicia Adell Academic Advisor adellal@gvsu.edu

Alicia works full-time as an academic adviser in the L.A.K.E.R. Academic Center. She also works on the Life Skills program for student-athletes. She received her B.S in 2005 from GVSU in Public Relations. She then went on to receive her M.Ed in 2007 in College Student Affairs Leadership. Alicia is dedicated to making a difference in the lives of the students she works with.

Samantha MacFarland Graduate Assistant- Life Skills macfarsa@gvsu.edu

Samantha is a second year graduate student in the College Student Affairs Leadership program.Sam will be working with the Athletes Who Care program, the Life Skills Presentations, the newsletter, and many other tasks. In May of 2010, Sam graduated from the University of Michigan-Flint with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre Performance. Sam is also an intern with Dr. Regina McClinton working with the Intercultural Competency Experience certificate. She is an advisor for the on campus student group, Eyes Wide Open. She is excited to be a part of the LAKER Academic Center team!

DeAnna Poland Graduate Assistant- Academic Advisor polandde@gvsu.edu

DeAnna is a first year graduate student in the College Student Affairs Leadership program. She comes to Grand Valley from New Jersey where she grew up. She attended Rutgers University where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Management and Labor Relations. While attending Rutgers she ran track doing hurdles and long jump. DeAnna will be working as an Academic Advisor this year working with track, cross country, softball, and volleyball students. DeAnna enjoys working out, board games, and sports in her free time. She hopes to work in Collegiate Athletics upon graduation. DeAnna is looking forward to an exciting year in the LAKER Academic Center.

Meghan Huyghe Graduate Intern- Academic Advisor huygheme@gvsu.edu

Meghan is a second year graduate student in the College Student Affairs Leadership (CSAL)  program. Meghan works in the Counseling and Career Development Center doing career advising and personal academic development. She graduated from Grand Valley in 2010 with a Bachelor's of Science in Behavioral Science. Meghan will be interning in the LAKER Academic Center this fall working with tennis, golf, and swimming/diving students. Meghan is also the professional development representative for the 2012 CSAL cohort. She is thrilled for this unique opportunity and looks forward to working with student athletes.