Dr. Jerry Wallace is now serving in his second college president role! Jerry was a two-sport athlete at GVSU from 2002 - 2006. Most notably playing 4 years for the GVSU men's basketball team and running 1 season on the GVSU track and field squad (2003-04). Dr. Wallace was a GLIAC champion in each sport! One of Jerry's best basketball performances was his freshman year against the #1 team in the nation, Michigan Tech University. The Lakers upset the Huskies 42-40 behind Jerry's game high 17 points, 6-11 from the field and 5-9 from three. As a senior, the Lakers went 27-4 including an undefeated record at home and the GLIAC season and tournament champions. Throughout his 4 years, he was awarded defensive player of the year on the team 2 years. Since graduating from GVSU with his bachelor's degree in behavioral science, Dr. Wallace continued his education by obtaining a master's degree in educational leadership from Western Michigan University and doctorate degree in leadership and management from St. Thomas University. Jerry also completed his second masters an MBA in human resource management from Maryville University. Professionally, he has excelled and currently serves President of Danville Community College. Previous to Danville, Jerry accepted the Hastings Campus President position at Nebraska Central Community College at the age of 35, making him one of the youngest college presidents in the nation and the only black college president in the state of Nebraska. Dr. Wallace was fortunate to be men's basketball teammates with his older brother Marcus Wallace (GV alumni) who married another Laker alumni, women's basketball national champion and GV Hall of Fame athlete Erika (Ryskamp) Wallace. Jerry's eldest brother J.R. Wallace currently serves as the GV Lakers men's basketball assistant coach and is also a GV alum. Dr. Wallace and Marcus Wallace both donate and co-sponsor a men's basketball locker! As you can tell, the Wallace family is very connected to the Laker family and they are testaments to Grand Valley State University! Some of Jerry's accomplishments include creating the first ever alumni weekend event at Central Community College which included a full-length documentary (Bunker University) based on the history of the Hastings Campus that was originally a US Ammunition Depot for WW2. Jerry's innovation and vision brought his documentary idea to life and (Bunker University) is cemented in the City of Hastings Museum. Dr. Wallace led the apprenticeship development at CCC which resulted in more than 11 apprenticeship opportunities for students and a $4 million dollar federal US DOL grant. Serving others and volunteering is Jerry's passion so he launched an employee volunteer program which led to over 3,000 volunteer hours in 3 years. Personally, Dr. Wallace not only gives back through sponsoring and donating similar to his GV Men's Basketball locker, but he also host the Great Day in Muskegon event in his hometown Muskegon Michigan. Jerry's event is completely free for the community and includes free t-shirts, food, fun activities for kids, and music to keep everyone upbeat! Dr. Wallace's Great Day in Muskegon events have been very well received and attended by his community. Professional accomplishments - Created an employee community volunteer program which lead to over 1,100 hours in 2019-2020 and over 1,600 hours in 2020-21, 1,800 hours in 2021-22. - $1.5 million awarded in grants for student internships, workforce programs and new equipment - Developed Community Engagement Basketball Game - Launched Workforce Breakfast Round Up - DCC Employee Family Movie Night