Leadership
Association Co-Chair
Josh Ware
Originally from Grand Rapids, Michigan, Josh Ware graduated from Grand Rapids Community College with an Associate’s Degree, and Grand Valley State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Education with an Emphasis in Sport Management. Josh Ware has counseled, coached, and mentored students in various capacities for over 10 years. His experiences include working as a youth mentor for various Grand Rapids programs, Division II college athletic coach, and Admissions Counselor. He is passionate about helping students recognize their potential, guiding students as they navigate their college experiences, and is invested in promoting and creating inclusive environments for students on campus. His passion for students occur both on the college campus and in the local community. When away from campus, Josh loves to read, exercise, walk his dog, and spend time with friends and family.
Association Co-Chair
Tanisha Kuykendall
Tanisha Kuykendall is what Grand Valley likes to call a TRUE Laker for a Lifetime. She graduated twice from GVSU in 2015 with a Bachelor of Arts in Broadcasting and in 2017, a Masters of Education with an emphasis in Student Affairs and Leadership. Starting her career as a financial aid Counselor, Tanisha led FAFSA workshops on GVSU’s campus and in the community to prepare high school students for college. April 2018, she transitioned to TRIO Student Support Services at GVSU, which focuses on supporting first generation college students. Tanisha is a proud member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.
”Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does.” -William James
Best,
Tanisha
Faculty Co-Chair (She, Her, Hers)
Alisha Davis Ph.D.
Dr. Davis is an Associate Professor and Program Director, Internship Coordinator in Allied Health Sciences (AHS), School of Interdisciplinary Health, and the College of Health Professions. She started working in 2008 as an adjunct while still working in clinical quality improvement in the health care sector. In 2009, Dr. Davis began working at Grand Valley in a full-time faculty position in AHS, and as Program Director in 2019. She is very passionate about equity and inclusion work and serves on a number of inclusion and equity groups across the university.
Treasurer
Michelle McCloud MBA, CGFM
Michelle is the Assistant Dean for Finance in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS). She’s a native of Lansing and moved to the Grand Rapids area with her family in 2006 to work at GVSU as a senior grants accountant in Business and Finance Division. After about seven years, she moved onto the Seidman College of Business to become the Finance Manager for the Michigan Small Business Development Center State Headquarters, which eventually led to her current role in CLAS. Michelle is very passionate about supporting vulnerable populations, is dedicated to inclusion and equity and is actively involved in these areas at GVSU and in the community. She enjoys gardening, traveling and is an avid reader.
Historian
Juanita Davis
Juanita is a native of Chicago and a Laker for a Lifetime (Anchor Up!). She has worked at Grand Valley for over 10 years. She started as the Coordinator of the Freshman Academy Program and transitioned to an Academic Advisor position in the CLAS Academic Advising Center. In her current role with the university she serves as an Assistant Director in the Office of Multicultural Affairs where she works with Black Excellence Orientation, Black Excellence 365 and Black History Month programming. Juanita enjoys spending time with her family and watching sports.
Secretary
Takeelia Garrett
Takeelia is the Student Ombuds for the University. Her office is located in suite 200 in the Arend and Nancy Lubbers Student Services Building. She has been blessed to be able to share space with the Trio Programs, Student Academic Success, and Career Services. Originally from Taylor, Michigan, Takeelia is a Laker for a Lifetime, having received both her undergraduate and graduate degrees from GVSU. She has currently worked at GVSU since 2005 where she began her career in Housing & Residence Life. In 2015, Takeelia began her new role as a part time Student Ombuds and in 2016, she became the first Student Ombuds at GVSU. She shares a passion for social justice work and volunteers whenever she can to facilitate discussions on inclusion, equity, and belonging. Always willing to learn more, she is involved in many committees dedicated to these topics throughout the GVSU community. In her spare time, she is a mom to a son who loves movies, music, and hanging with his friends. Takeelia has been a member of the leadership team of the Black Faculty Staff Association since its inception in 2014 and was one of the original co-chairs to the organization along with MarcQus Wright, Tara Bivens, and Dr. D.J. Mitchell.