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GVSU College of Computing Faculty Service Milestones

January 28, 2025

GVSU College of Computing Faculty Service Milestones

Every year Grand Valley recognizes faculty and staff who have built outstanding careers at the university. This year, six College of Computing faculty are celebrating service milestones. The College of Computing wants to thank everyone at the university for their time and support, but especially these six individuals in the College of Computing who have continuously put their best effort into helping our students and our community. Continue reading to hear a little bit about each of them.

Christopher Babbitt - 10 Years

Chris Babbitt is the Internship Partner Coordinator for the College of Computing at GVSU. Chris has a great depth of experience working with the local industry as he served in the GVSU Career Center for nine years. Chris has an undergraduate degree from Michigan State University, a Master of Education degree in Adult in Higher Education from GVSU, and a Master of Arts degree in College Counseling from Western Michigan University. Chris is also a Licensed Professional Counselor in the State of Michigan. Chris is passionate about helping students and employers connect to promote a vibrant technology community in Michigan. Over the ten years at GVSU, Chris has assisted hundreds of students with gaining practical work experience and aided employers in finding their next generation of talent.

Cheryl Kautz - 10 Years

Cheryl Kautz has been a dedicated educator at GVSU for 10 years, specializing in creating inclusive and accessible course content that fosters student success. Passionate about teaching, Cheryl helps non-computing majors thrive in the digital landscape by offering accessible courses that introduce foundational skills in spreadsheets, coding, and digital literacy. Outside of the classroom, Cheryl enjoys traveling the world for scuba diving adventures, spending time with her family, slalom skiing, paddleboarding on Placid Waters Lakes, and playing pickleball. Her focus on accessibility and innovation ensures that all learners are equipped to excel in their academic and professional pursuits.

Rodd Lowell - 10 Years

Rodd Lowell began teaching part-time in the School of Computing in the Fall Semester of 1999, focusing on CIS 150 courses. In the Fall Semester of 2014, he transitioned to a full-time faculty position, bringing a deep familiarity with the School of Computing and its faculty. By Fall Semester 2018, Rodd took on the role of Internship Coordinator, creating opportunities to engage more closely with the school’s industry partners. With the establishment of the College of Computing, he was promoted to Director of Internships and Career Development, a role that has kept him actively involved in fostering relationships between students, faculty, and industry leaders.

Mostafa El-Said - 20 years

Dr. Mostafa El-Said is the Director of Assessment and Accreditation for the College of Computing, with over 13 years of experience as a Program Chair. He specializes in program assessment and continuous improvement, leveraging data-driven strategies to enhance educational quality and student success. Dr. El-Said has led key initiatives, including developing the Bachelor of Science in Information Technology in 2018 and Bachelor’s and Master’s programs in Cybersecurity in 2019. He has served as Vice Chair of the IEEE Technical Committee on Simulation, an ABET Program Evaluator, and a Higher Learning Commission Peer Reviewer. His leadership and contributions to accreditation processes and curriculum development reflect his commitment to institutional growth and student empowerment.

Zachary Kurmas - 20 Years

Zachary Kurmas grew up in a small town south of Flint, Michigan, and began his journey in computing as a freshman at GVSU in 1993. Inspired by an introductory programming class and guided by mentors Dr. Bruce Klein and Dr. Carl Erickson, Dr. Kurmas pursued graduate studies at Georgia Tech. After earning his Ph.D., he returned to GVSU in 2004 as a professor. Over the past 20 years, Dr. Kurmas has dedicated himself to providing students with the same mentorship and opportunities that shaped his own career.

Scott Grissom - 25 Years

Scott Grissom joined Grand Valley State University in 1999, driven by its strong commitment to undergraduate education—a value he continues to uphold more than 20 years later. His career highlights include a two-year sabbatical with the National Science Foundation, a semester teaching in New Zealand, and being named the 2008 Michigan Professor of the Year. Scott remains passionate about teaching and mentoring, leaving a lasting impact on his students and the university community. Scott retires in April of 2025 from GVSU after 20 years of dedication, teaching, and service.

Thank you again to these faculty members who have committed their careers to helping the College of Computing community!

Article written by Maxwell Ritchie and Shelby Harrison

 

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Page last modified January 28, 2025