International Relations

Takeelia Garrett '96 & '00

Takeelia Garrett '96 & '00

Employer
GVSU/Student Ombuds

1. Tell us about your journey since graduation.
Since graduating in 1996, I took a full time job as a residence hall director at Ferris State University. After completing a year there, I went back to GVSU as a residence hall director. During my time at GVSU, I worked full time and went to school for my masters degree in College Student Affairs Leadership in the college of education. After three years of GVSU, I went to work at the University of Toledo and then The University of Michigan to get experience at other places than GVSU. After spending five years away from GVSU, I saw a familiar face at a conference in Florida who asked if I was ready to “come back home.” I then applied and received a job as an assistant director of Housing and Residence Life. I did that job from 2005-2016. During that time in 2015, I was also a part time Student Ombuds. In 2016, I was permanently assigned as the FIRST Student Ombuds at GVSU. This position was created from the Climate Study and Student Senate.

2. Share a favorite Grand Valley memory.
My favorite GVSU memory is singing at the football stadium with the Voices of GVSU. That was so much fun even though it was cold.

3. What's the best piece of advice you've ever received?
To try new things.

4. List three words you would use to describe your Grand Valley experience.
Different, fun, growth

5. What difference would you like to make in the world?
I feel like I’m already making a difference by helping our underrepresented students feel seen and graduate from GVSU.

October 2022

Interest Area(s)
International Relations, Political Science, Education -Higher Education

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Page last modified October 18, 2022