Aaron Haight, ED.D., Associate Vice President for Student Engagement and Dean of Students

Email: [email protected]

Aaron Haight has worked with the students of GVSU since 2000. She currently serves as the Associate Vice President for Student Engagement and Dean of Students.  Dr. Haight has served in the Dean of Students Office since 2013 as Associate Dean, Assistant Dean and Director of Student Conduct and Special Programs while also providing leadership for the Division of Student Affairs. Prior to the Dean of Students Office, Aaron was an assistant director in the Office of Student Life for 13 years working with orientation, student organizations and fraternity and sorority life.

Aaron graduated with her Bachelor of Applied Arts degree from Central Michigan University, her Master of Public Administration from Grand Valley State University, and her Doctor of Education from Eastern Michigan University.  The title of her dissertation is “Examining the Impact of Student Involvement and Intercultural Experiences on Perceptions of Institutional Commitment to Diversity".

In her position as Associate Vice President and Dean of Students, Aaron leads the Dean of Students Office functions and team.  She provides oversight, leadership and support to the Children's Enrichment Center, the Office of Student Life, and oversees the Division of Student Affairs crisis response, first-year experience initiatives, family programs, and divisional communication and marketing efforts.

Strengths: Discipline | Responsibility | Consistency | Analytical | Relator

Ben Witt, Associate Dean of Students

Email: [email protected]
Phone: (616) 331-2747

Ben Witt serves as Associate Dean of Students in the Dean of Students Office at Grand Valley State University. A proud GVSU alumnus, Ben earned his bachelor’s degree in History and Criminal Justice from Grand Valley in 2002 and later completed a Master of Science in Administration at Central Michigan University.

Ben brings more than two decades of experience in higher education and student affairs leadership. Prior to his current role, he served as Director of the former Office of Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution (now known as the Student Integrity Team) at GVSU. Before returning to Grand Valley in 2021, he held leadership positions in student conduct and student affairs at California State University, Chico; Humboldt State University; Purdue University; and Central Michigan University. He began his professional career with the United States Secret Service in Washington, D.C.

Throughout his career, Ben has championed restorative practices, student development, and collaborative approaches to conflict resolution and student support. He is actively involved in professional organizations including the Association for Student Conduct Administration (ASCA) and remains committed to fostering student success, accountability, and community well-being.

Strengths: Restorative | Context | Adaptability | Individualization | Strategic

Takeelia L. Garrett, M. ED., Assistant Dean of Students

Email: [email protected]

Takeelia is the Assistant Dean of Students. After serving in the role of Student Ombuds for 10 years, she has a knack for helping students in difficult situations. She is also a proud alum of GVSU, having received her bachelor’s degree in Political Science with an emphasis in International Relations with a minor in Sociology.  

Takeelia has 30 years of experience as a Student Affairs professional. She started out in Housing & Residence Life at Ferris State University as a Hall Director in her first professional role. She has worked in Housing & Residence Life at multiple universities, which include Grand Valley State University, the University of Toledo, and the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor. This experience in Housing & Residence Life has taught her to easily adapt in most situations.

Takeelia also has a passion for DEI work and presents to various groups on the topic. She is trained in facilitating Intergroup Dialogues through the University of Michigan and has taught various groups on the topic. She is a part of the Civil Discourse Network, teaches Mindfulness, a former board member of Artists Creating Together (ACT), a trained mediator, a mentor with the Cook Leadership Academy, participates with our Faculy Staff Associations (FSA) and is a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc.  

Takeelia enjoys spending time with her 23-year-old son going to the movies, playing Monopoly Go, taking him bowling, singing Karaoke, and practicing mindfulness.  

Her two mottos are: “Everyone has an invisible sign hanging from their neck saying, ‘Make me feel important.’ Never forget this message when working with people.”-Mary Kay Ash 

“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, please will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”-Maya Angelou 

Strengths: Empathy | Adaptability | Positivity | Developer | Woo

Katie Perschbacher, M.ED., Senior Case Manager

Email: [email protected]

Katie Perschbacher joined Grand Valley State University’s Dean of Students Office in 2020 and currently serves as the Senior Case Manager for Student Care and Outreach. In this role, she supports students, staff, faculty, and community members who express concerns about student well-being. Katie works closely with students navigating challenges both in and out of the classroom, including food insecurity, academic and social stress, mental wellness concerns, and other basic needs. She also has experience with university committees focused on strategic vision, salary and benefits, and gender equity.

Prior to joining GVSU, Katie worked with CETUSA as a Student Services Advisor, where she supported J-1 international students in grades 9–12.

A three-time Laker graduate, Katie earned her Bachelor of Arts in Advertising and Public Relations, a Master of Education in College Student Affairs Leadership, and a Master of Education in School Counseling from Grand Valley State University.

Beyond her professional role, Katie serves on the Mitten Foundation Board of Directors and previously served as Board President for the Humane Society of West Michigan. She also volunteers with Alpha Sigma Tau, the BISSELL Pet Foundation, and Make-A-Wish Michigan, where she has supported major events and fundraising initiatives. Katie resides in Hudsonville with her husband, Kirk, and their rescue cat, Ruth.

Strengths: Input | Achiever | Discipline | Focus | Connectedness

Reneé Malkowski, Deputy Director of Student Integrity

Email: [email protected]

As deputy Director of Student Integrity and a licensed attorney with over 20 years practical litigation and mediation experience, Reneé is committed to restorative practices as a guide in resolving conflict, reducing harmful behavior, and promoting positive outcomes for students.

Strengths: Input | Individualization | Intellection | Relator | Learner

Susan Sigler, B.S., Administrative Assistant

Email: [email protected]

Susan Sigler joined the Dean of Students Office in 2019. As Administrative Assistant, Susan provides administrative support to the Associate Vice President and Dean of Students, coordinates confidential employment hiring processes, and supports major programs, meetings, and initiatives such as Commencement, Laker Kickoff, and Dean of Students outreach efforts. Susan also monitors Dean of Students Office budgets and reporting. 

Susan graduated from Ball State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Journalism and her career has included several administrative support roles in the financial, healthcare and legal professions. Susan makes her home in Holland, where she enjoys spending time on the Lake Michigan beach (in all seasons!) with her family and collies Ivy and Gracie.

Strengths: Harmony | Learner | Intellection | Input | Achiever

Shelly LeMahieu Dunn, Office Assistant

Email: [email protected]

Shelly LeMahieu Dunn joined the Dean of Students Office in July 2025. She has extensive administrative experience in both nonprofit and educational environments, and served most recently as executive assistant to the president of a national nonprofit organization. As the office assistant in the Dean of Students Office, she assists both the Student Integrity Team and the Care Team, and works with our excellent student team to provide administrative support and information to faculty and staff, students, parents, and community members.

Outside of work, Shelly and her husband own an organic vegetable and flower farm in Coopersville. Together, they enjoy thrifting, cooking, traveling, and hiking through any and all of Ottawa County's beautiful parks.