GVSU Education Programs News
Bridging Education and Community: Associate Dean named to KConnect board
April 29, 2026
Dr. Chasity Bailey-Fakhoury, associate dean of Grand Valley State University’s College of Education and Community Innovation (CECI), has been elected to the board of KConnect, a Grand Rapids-based organization focused on creating equitable opportunities for children and families through education, community partnerships, and systems change.
KConnect works to “connect people, organizations, and data to mobilize collective action for lasting systems change,” with a vision of ensuring every child and family has the opportunity and support to thrive, regardless of their starting point. The organization brings together schools, higher education institutions, nonprofits, and community leaders across Kent County to address challenges related to education access, workforce development, and family well-being.
For Bailey-Fakhoury, joining the board is the natural next step in a partnership that began several years ago.
“I got involved with KConnect in the fall of 2021 when my colleague, Mei Mah, and I were preparing to apply to the Steelcase Social Innovation Fellowship,” she said. “That was my first introduction to KConnect and the realization that they had a goal of increasing the numbers of educators of color in Kent County, which aligned with a goal we had of creating a network of support for future educators of color who were studying at GVSU.”
That shared mission led to collaboration between KConnect and GVSU’s CECI, and the joint team became Steelcase Social Innovation Fellows in winter 2022. Since then, Bailey-Fakhoury has remained deeply involved, supporting initiatives, serving on design teams, and participating in the organization’s Accountability Partners Council gatherings.
“Being nominated and ultimately elected to join the board seems to be a natural evolution of my connection with the organization,” she said. “What excites me about serving on the board is helping to support KConnect in its mission in Kent County, across the state, and beyond.”
Dr. Bailey-Fakhoury said the partnership between KConnect and CECI reflects a strong alignment in values and purpose.
“KConnect’s mission is to connect people, organizations, and data to mobilize collective action for lasting systems change,” she said. “The mission of the College of Education and Community Innovation is educating leaders and professionals to engage, enrich, and transform communities. We are developing the people who have the skills, competencies, and talents to enact a mission like KConnect’s.”
She added that CECI’s work is rooted in building community capacity and preparing students to lead meaningful change.
“Our college’s mission and priorities reflect, and are intertwined with, the aspirational and real change that KConnect is making in Kent County,” Bailey-Fakhoury said.
In her new role as trustee, Bailey-Fakhoury hopes to strengthen the connection between students and community impact while helping advance KConnect’s long-term sustainability. “Through my role as a trustee, I am committed to create lasting impact for the children and families of Kent County by continuing to guide KConnect toward a sustainable future,” she said.
She also sees opportunities for students across CECI disciplines to become more engaged with the organization’s work.
“Given the disciplines within our college, we are uniquely positioned to partner with KConnect in ways that bolster community capacity and flourishing,” she said. “That will greatly benefit our students and hopefully impress upon them the importance of keeping their skills and talents here in the county and the state.”
Dr. Bailey-Fakhoury’s appointment reflects CECI’s continued commitment to collaboration, innovation, and preparing leaders who create positive change in their communities.