President's Desk

Philomena V. Mantella

Philomena V. Mantella | President  

Grand Valley’s transformative educational experience is shaped by more than just beautiful facilities, cutting-edge technology, and a dynamic campus environment. What truly sets our university apart is our exceptional faculty whose dedication, expertise, and love of learning are at the very core of our mission to help our learners pursue their passions.  

As we celebrate the unique classroom experiences that make GVSU special, I want to introduce you to Faculty Focus, a new podcast series that showcases what sets our faculty apart. In each episode, a faculty member joins me to share their story; the unique ways they inspire, educate, and challenge our students; and what makes GV special to them. These individuals are not just educators – they are trailblazers, problem-solvers, and mentors who create an environment where students thrive, grow, and make meaningful connections. Their work extends far beyond the classroom, influencing local communities, advancing knowledge in their fields, and contributing to global progress. A new episode is released every month, and you can download it on most major podcast platforms.  

As we celebrate their incredible contributions, we also recognize the importance of supporting our faculty so they can continue their vital work. There are several ways to do this ranging from one-time gifts to longer-term support. GVSU currently has ten endowed faculty positions which helps us attract and retain top-tier faculty and allow GVSU to remain a leader in higher education and offer our students the best possible learning experiences. We also have a variety of other funds that support faculty at all levels including our affiliate faculty support fund and various efforts that support research and teaching.  I encourage you to connect with our development team to learn more about these opportunities and together, we can continue to support our faculty in their mission to change the world, one student at a time.  



Page last modified March 12, 2025