Faculty and staff sketches

March 17, 2026 (Volume 49, Number 13)

Susan Mendoza, in center, with hands over heart chatting with someone at the undergraduate research fair

student in scarf and headphones in winter

Susan Mendoza, director of the Center for Undergraduate Scholar Engagement, was selected to participate in the New Leadership Academy Fellows Program, sponsored by the American Association of Colleges and Universities.

Photo Credit: Kendra Stanley-Mills

Faculty and staff members who have given presentations, were recognized for outstanding contributions or had their research published are detailed below. The campus community can submit a sketch online for future publication.

In the News
Len O'Kelly, associate professor and director of the School of Communications, was interviewed by WZZM-TV for a story about how to detect AI-generated content in social media posts.

Mikhila Wildey, associate professor of psychology, was interviewed by West Michigan Woman for a story about women's emotional labor within relationships.

Paul Isely, professor of economics and associate dean of the Seidman College of Business, was interviewed by WZZM-TV for a story about rising gas prices due to the conflict in the Middle East.

Sketches
Susan Mendoza, director of the Center for Undergraduate Scholar Engagement, was nominated and selected to participate in the American Association of Colleges and Universities' New Leadership Academy Fellows Program. The 2026 cohort of fellows comprises 56 leaders representing 46 institutions.

Kendra Stanley-Mills, associate director of photography for University Communications, earned a fourth-place General Features award in the University Photographers Association of America monthly photo contest for a photo posted in January's month-in-photo story.

University Marketing received six gold and four silver awards from the Educational Advertising Awards for the admissions video, university viewbook, billboard, brand kit, carillon fact sheet, sticker series, identity website, Honors College brochure, Life at GVSU brochure and the "apply now" postcard.

Erion Adams, developer for Emerging Technologies, received the WMCAT Award for Inspiration during the organization's iBall 2026. The award recognizes Adams's investment in the community and contributions to the design, development and implementation of innovative technology that is driving digital transformation.

The acclaimed GVSU New Music Ensemble, under the direction of professor Bill Ryan, has produced a sixth album, "Music for a beautiful place," inspired by their performances at outdoor venues throughout the U.S.

Chasity Bailey-Fakhoury, associate dean of the College of Education and Community Innovation, is among the new board members for KConnect.

Adrienne Wallace, associate professor of advertising and public relations, was approved for membership in The Arthur W. Page Society, following a nomination. The Page Society is a global professional association for senior strategic communication leaders.

Elizabeth Arnold, professor of anthropology, received a $219,446 grant from the National Science Foundation for a two-year project, "Assessing Animal Management Within an Urban/Rural Continuum." This project will perform zooarchaeological analysis of Iron Age sheep teeth with student researchers participating in field research.

Mario Andre Maximilian Couto Ferrari, associate professor of interdisciplinary health, received a $4,000 grant from the West Michigan Dental Foundation to evaluate the public knowledge and perceptions of water fluoridation in Kent County. In 1945, Grand Rapids became the first city in the world to fluoridate its drinking water.