Daniel C. Vélez named to lead Admissions department, brings experience at diverse institutions

Daniel C. Vélez was named the new associate vice president for Admissions and Recruitment at Grand Valley.

B. Donta Truss, vice president for Enrollment Management and Educational Outreach, made the announcement February 17 and said Vélez brings extensive leadership experience at diverse institutions and with underrepresented student populations.

Vélez is currently the vice president for Student Affairs at Baltimore City Community College, which includes leading the Admissions and Recruitment Office. With more than two decades of experience, he has held previous positions in enrollment management, student affairs and student success at a private, Historically Black College/University and four-year, public institutions.

"I am so pleased that Dr. Vélez will join us here at Grand Valley," Truss said. "Danny brings dedicated experience in growing student enrollment multiple times over his career. His prior roles give him a perspective and an outlook of how to align admissions goals with our strategic enrollment plan, and will provide prospective students and learners with the resources they need to come to Grand Valley and move confidently through to graduation and beyond."

Vélez said he is excited about joining Grand Valley and getting to know its Admissions team. He will begin his role on campus March 15. 

"I am honored to have been chosen to lead the Admissions team to move the strategic enrollment management plan forward in partnership with the stakeholders in the campus community," he said. "Grand Valley offers an exceptional education for everyone, at times and locations that are convenient for every learner, no matter the stage they are in their educational journey and at an amazing value."

Prior to working at Baltimore City Community College, Vélez served as vice president at Saint Augustine's University, an HBCU in North Carolina, where he oversaw enrollment management, student affairs and student success. Last year, SAU joined Grand Valley as a HBCU/HSI pipeline consortium member.

Vélez also held leadership positions at Shippensburg University in Pennsylvania and Buffalo State College, in the State University of New York system. He earned a bachelor's degree from the University at Buffalo, master's degree from Buffalo State College and a doctoral degree from University at Buffalo.

Truss added his appreciation to Admissions and Recruitment staff members Astin Martin and Melanie Retberg, who continue to serve as interim co-directors during this transition.