Brandsen named new director for TRIO Upward Bound

Josh Brandsen was named director of the TRIO Upward Bound program. He had served as associate director.

Brandsen takes over for longtime director Arnie Smithalexander, who held that position for 37 years. She is entering a phased retirement and will serve in a TRIO specialist role for the College of Education.

Brandsen is beginning his 12th year in the TRIO Upward Bound office. One of Grand Valley's federally funded TRIO programs, Upward Bound serves 100 Grand Rapids Public high school students, providing year-round programming to ensure a successful transition into college.

Upward Bound students are often the first in their families to attend college, as was Brandsen. "I do talk with them about my path," Brandsen said. "This job is so much more than teaching, it's getting to know the students personally."

Beginning in the winter semester, the College of Education will take on administration of the TRIO SSS Teacher Preparation program and collaborate with the Upward Bound program. Smithalexander and Brandsen wrote a grant that will serve 140 students who are pursuing bachelor's degrees with teacher certification. The application process to be admitted into the program will begin soon, she said.

Smithalexander said she is leaving the administration of Upward Bound in good hands with Brandsen at the helm.

"He has the dedication to students that is necessary to this position," she said.

Brandsen earned bachelor's and master's degrees in education from Grand Valley.