Housing & Residence Life Staff
Who's Who in the Living Centers?
Living Center Staff Members
Every GVSU Living Center is staffed with a variety of Housing and Residence Life student-level (RAs), graduate-level (HGAs), and professional-level employees (LCDs). The name and contact information of each LCD is posted in every lobby. RAs will introduce themselves at move-in and will be present throughout the academic year. Every GVSU Living Center has a staff member available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you need assistance or have a housing-related question pertaining to your Living Center community, please contact your RA, LCD, or Residential Desk. Should they be unable to assist you, the central housing office can be reached at (616) 331-2120.
STUDENT STAFF
Resident Assistants (RAs) are sophomore-level or higher, undergraduate and graduate students who live on-campus. There is at least one RA on every floor of each living center. They contribute to a positive community living experience by serving as a campus resource for first-year students, and by coordinating social and academic activities for residents. RA staff members serve in the HRL duty rotation and are extensively trained in crisis management, facilities management, campus policies/student code of conduct, and student development.
RA INFORMATION & COMMUNITY DESKS
GRADUATE STAFF
Housing Graduate Assistants (HGAs) are current GVSU graduate-level students who are pursuing a Master of Education with an emphasis in College Student Affairs Leadership. HGA's are live-in staff members and they assist Living Center Directors and the HRL leadership team with student engagement and residential conduct. HGA staff members serve in the HRL duty rotation and are extensively trained in crisis management, facilities management, campus policies/student code of conduct, and student development.
PROFESSIONAL STAFF
Living Center Directors (LCDs) are professional staff members who have a Master's degree in student affairs. LCDs are live-in staff members and they assist in the daily operations of residential communities housing 200-700 residents. These operations include administrative duties, managing conduct, supervising an RA staff, and providing support to residential students. LCD staff members serve in the HRL duty rotation and have extensive experience in crisis management, facilities management, campus policies/student code of conduct, and student development.
Living Center Director Staff
Kirkpatrick, Swanson, Stafford, & Seidman
JUSTIN BEAN, MEd
Living Center Director
MEd – Higher Education & College Student Affairs Leadership; Grand Valley State University
Phone: (616) 331-9417
Pronouns: He/Him/His
I moved to Western Michigan and joined the fabulous team here at GVSU in the summer of 2017, and I traveled all the way from the state of Maine! I take pride in helping students be successful in college and to provide them with a memorable on-campus experience! By building relationships and connecting students to peers, faculty, and staff I hope to enrich the Grand Valley community and make everyone truly feel that they are a Laker for a Lifetime!
Holton-Hooker
CHELSEA FARLEY
Living Center Director
MEd – Higher Education & College Student Affairs Leadership; Grand Valley State University (In Progress, 2023)
BS – Criminal Justice; Grand Valley State University
Phone: (616) 331-2671
Office: Holton-Hooker 119A
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
I started at GVSU in 2017 as a freshman and I instantly fell so in love with the campus, that I had to stay here and continue on with my master's degree. During my undergrad, I was involved in Greek life, I was a transitions leader, I worked at the Laker Store, and I was a campus tour guide. After being so involved, I realized I loved working with students and decided that working at a University is what I wanted to do. Now, I am working in Housing and Residence Life and I am just starting my degree and will graduate in 2023.
Weed, Hoobler, Ott, & Johnson
ZACH JACOBS, MEd
Living Center Director
MEd – Higher Education & College Student Affairs Leadership; Grand Valley State University
Phone: (616) 331-0650
Office: Johnson 103
Pronouns: He/Him/His
North C., Hills, & Frey
ALEXIS GUNN
Living Center Director
MEd – Higher Education & College Student Affairs Leadership; Grand Valley State University (In Progress, 2023)
BS – Communication Studies; Grand Valley State University
Phone: (616) 331-4054
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Hi! I am originally from Louisiana, grew up in Texas, and now reside here in Grand Rapids. I came to the GR area back in 2017 to pursue my Bachelor’s in Communication Studies at GVSU. I have loved my time here so much that I decided to stay and pursue my M.Ed. – I am truly a Laker for a Lifetime! Throughout my program, I had the privilege to work with the CLAS Academic Advising Center, but I now call Housing and Residence Life home. I look forward to working with our on-campus students as they navigate their college experience!
Copeland, Pew, Pickard, & DeVos
LINDSEY BOS
Living Center Director
MEd – Higher Education & College Student Affairs Leadership; Grand Valley State University (In Progress, 2024)
BM – Music Performance; Grand Valley State University
Phone: (616) 331-1056
Office: Pew 124
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
After serving as a Resident Assistant for three years, I knew I wanted to continue working with university students. GVSU's Master of Higher Education was the perfect fit as it allowed me to continue being a member of Housing and Residence Life on campus, while being close to my family in my hometown of Muskegon, MI. Outside of this program, I play clarinet with the Holland Symphony, am a staff member with the Reeths-Puffer Marching Band, and love to spend time with my orange cat, Goose. Proud to be a Laker for a Lifetime, Anchor Up!
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Robinson, Maple, Oak, & Pine
JASMINE DIXON, MBA
Living Center Director
MBA – College of Business; Lewis University
Phone: (616) 331-1310
Office: Kistler 109
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Niemeyer Apartments & Calder Art Housing
KELLY GRYNIEWICZ, LLMSW
Living Center Director
MSW – Interpersonal Practice, Integrated Health, Mental Health, & Substance Use; University of Michigan Ann Arbor
BA - Psychology, Sociology; Hope College
Phone: (616) 331-4503
Office: Niemeyer West 102
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
I am originally from the Ann Arbor area, but after attending Hope College for my undergraduate degree, I knew I wanted to return to the West side of the state! During my time at Michigan earning my Master's in Social Work, I had to opportunity to serve students who had violated university policies on sexual & gender-based misconduct and alcohol & other drugs. After witnessing these young adults and students heal, grow, and develop in this space, I knew I wanted to continue working with them! I am excited to join the Grand Valley community, alongside my dog, Ginny!
Murray, VanSteeland, & Grand Valley Apartments
JAY CHAPA
Living Center Director
BS - Advertising & Public Relations; Grand Valley State University
Phone: (616) 331-4297
Office: Vansteeland 104
Pronouns: She/They
As a recent graduate of Grand Valley State University, I knew that I wanted to give back to a university that had given me so much. During my time as a student, I worked with campus departments such as the Career Center, Admissions Office, and Office of Student Life. Originally from the east side of the state, I am excited to be living in West Michigan and serving our on-campus Lakers!
Laker Village Apartments
JAKYLE HARRIS
Living Center Director
MS - Criminology/Criminal Justice; Grand Valley State University (In Progress, 2024)
BS - Criminal Justice; Grand Valley State University
Phone: (616) 331-0501
Office: Laker Village North 103
Pronouns: He/Him/His
Coming to Grand Valley was one of the best things that I have ever done. After completing my undergrad here, I knew that I wanted to work in higher education and give back to the university that has given me so much. I have been involved in many things here at GV including Greek life, intramural sports, and many other amazing organizations we have to offer. Although I miss my hometown of Chicago, I am excited to be here and cannot wait to continue my journey with Grand Valley.
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South Apartments
ALLIE BROWN, MUEd
Living Center Director
MUEd – Master of Urban Education; Memphis & Teacher Residency; Union University
Phone: (616) 331-0171
Office: South E 101
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
I am a West Michigan native, born and raised! After traveling and teaching in different parts of the US, I am happy to be back home. I have been married to my wonderful husband for 5 years now, and we welcomed our first baby girl into this world back in April. I joined this wonderful team at GVSU back in the fall of 2021, and have really enjoyed my experience thus far. I love being able to help students become well-rounded and independent individuals who are equipped and knowledgeable to be successful in the real world post-college. College is a special time, and I love being able to be a part of student's experiences.
Winter & Secchia Hall
SOHELI FARZANA JONY, MA
Living Center Director
MEd – Higher Education & College Student Affairs Leadership; Grand Valley State University (In Progress, 2023)
MA – English Literature & Linguistics; Freie University, Berlin
BA – English Literature & Linguistics; Stamford University, Bangladesh
Phone: (616) 331-7779
Office: Winter 143
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
I started working with the PIE Intl Education Department of Higher Education (Student recruitment for USA/Canada) in 2013. I also served as an International Student Recruitment Manager for Apply Board, Head of Operations in British Educare, and a Press release officer for BBC Bangla. Recently I started my Graduate program at GVSU in the CSAL Program.
Central Housing Office Staff
KYLE BOONE, PhD
Director of Housing & Residence Life
PhD – Higher Education Administration; Louisiana State University
MA – Education Administration and Leadership, specialization in Student Affairs; University of the Pacific
BA – Communication; University of Louisville
Phone: (616) 331-2120
Pronouns: He/Him/His
I joined the Grand Valley team in the summer of 2020 as the new Director of Housing and Residence Life. As a scholar-practitioner, I have prided myself on remaining student-centered and allowing my enthusiasm for student development to shine through my work! To me, students are both scholars and teachers, and engaging both is vital to my call to service and is crucial for the advancement of the students I serve!
COLLEEN BAILEY, MA
Associate Director of Housing & Residence Life
MA – Student Affairs Administration; Michigan State University
BS – Child Development; Michigan State University
Phone: (616) 331-2120
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
I joined the GVSU team in July of 2003 & love getting to work with so many fantastic students! Although I've worked in several offices across campus, Housing & Residence Life is my favorite because of the excitement & energy that students get to experience in learning to live independently. Just a little about me, I live in a small lakeshore community northwest of Allendale with my husband & our three boys. I love all things sports & outdoors & am always up for an adventure. StrengthsQuest * Individualization * Maximizer *Arranger * Input * Learner
MELANIE GROVER, MA
Associate Director of Housing & Residence Life
MA – Educational Leadership; Grand Valley State University
Phone: (616) 331-2120
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
In September of 2021, I begin my 22nd year at GVSU, having worked in HRL since 2009. I have worked as an Assignment Coordinator, Housing Assistant, and Assistant Director of Systems. Currently, I am an Associate Director. My favorite part of my role in Housing is the ability to enhance processes, systems & services that our residents utilize to improve their experience on campus. My husband & I have 2 children & a poorly-behaved but very sweet yellow labrador.
BRANDIE TENNEY, M.Ed.
Assistant Director of Housing & Residence Life
M.Ed. – Higher Education Administration; North Carolina State
Phone: (616) 331-5014
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
This will be my 15th year here at GVSU, specifically in Housing. Prior to this position, I worked in Residence Life at the University of Missouri in Columbia. I received my Master of Education from North Carolina State University & my bachelor's from Western Michigan University. I am originally from the Lansing area but now live in Allendale with my husband & three kids. We love attending sporting events and cheering on our LAKERS!
SUZY HERMAN, MEd
Assistant Director of Housing & Residence Life
MEd – Higher Education & College Student Affairs Leadership; Grand Valley State University
Phone: (616) 331-2389
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
I have been at GVSU since 2010 & got my start right here in Housing & Residence Life as a graduate assistant. Since then, I served as a Living Center Director for four years, spent some time in the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships, & am now back as Residence Life Coordinator. I am so excited to be working with our on-campus students again! Though I was born & raised in the Chicago area, I have now spent almost a decade in Grand Rapids & call it home. My husband & I love exploring the growing city together.
ADAM TATE, MBA
Housing & Residence Life Facilities Manager
MBA - Seidman College of Business; Grand Valley State University
Phone: (616) 331-2586
Pronouns: He/Him/His
I have worked at GVSU since January of 2016. I previously worked in the healthcare industry for nearly 10 years providing support services to long term care facilities. I received my undergraduate degree in 2001 from Western Michigan University & am currently pursuing an MBA here at Grand Valley. I enjoy being able to walk this beautiful campus everyday as part of my job!
MIKE ASHCRAFT, CMP, CTA
Housing & Residence Life Client Services Manager/Camps & Conferences Manager
BBA
Phone: (616) 331-5828
Pronouns: He/Him/His
Mike began his career at GVSU in the Conference & Event Planning Department where he handled events and groups at the L.V. Eberhard Center. Mike successfully led the coordination of wide-range conference and event services for multi-site conference facilities on the Pew Grand Rapids campus. Later in his time at GVSU, Mike moved to the Cook-DeVos Center for Health Sciences and managed sales and day-to-day event activities focusing on the medical industry. It was through these positions he demonstrated the ability to develop good working relationships with the many departments required to complete a successful event.
DEXTER EARNEY, MEd
Housing & Residence Life Operations Coordinator
MEd
Phone: (616) 331-2120
Pronouns: He/Him/His
I first joined GVSU and Housing and Residence Life as a Graduate Assistant in 2011. Then, I served as a Living Center Director from 2013-2018 in various communities on campus. After that, I was the Assistant Director for Housing and Student Activities at the Kansas City Art Institute in Kansas City, Missouri until December of 2020. Now I'm back as the new Operations Coordinator for Housing and Residence Life. They couldn't keep me away! I truly love being a Laker for a Lifetime!
AMANDA BROWER
Housing & Residence Life Occupancy Coordinator
Phone: (616) 331-2120
Pronouns: She/Her
MASON BENCH
Housing & Residence Life Occupancy Coordinator
BS
Phone: (616) 331-2120
Pronouns: He/Him
HUNTER NEMMERS
Housing & Residence Life Sales & Marketing Manager
MBA - Seidman College of Business; Grand Valley State University (In Progress, 2024)
BBA – Advertising and Marketing; Northwood University
Phone: (616) 331-9427
Pronouns: He/Him/His
Mr. Nemmers has held various positions in the marketing industry. These positions include Graphic Designer, Marketing Communications Specialist, Social Media Strategist, Podcast Show Engineer, Digital Marketing Strategist, Consultant, and Sales & Marketing Manager. In addition, Mr. Nemmers has represented clients in various industries such as automotive aftermarket, healthcare, pharmaceutical, construction, firearm parts, podcasting, and specialty equipment rental and sales.
In the roles mentioned above, Mr. Nemmers has managed social media accounts; created advertising and marketing strategies, campaigns, and materials; created technical manuals; coordinated communications and outreach; and created and edited audio and other media projects.
ANNA BOSMAN
Residence Life Assistant
BS - Phycology; Grand Valley State University
Phone: (616) 331-4293
Pronouns - She/Her/Hers
I’ve been working for Housing and Residence Life at GVSU since 2018. I was a Resident Assistant, the Residence Life Student Assistant, and worked as a temporary employee for HRL from when I graduated in 2021 to July of 2022. I am so excited to be here full-time as the Residence Life Assistant and continue to learn, grow and serve our students!
JASMINE PADIN, MEd
Residence Life Coordinator - South Campus & Downtown Campus
MEd – Higher Education & College Student Affairs Leadership; Grand Valley State University
Phone: (616) 331-9418
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
JUSTIN BEAN, MEd
Residence Life Coordinator - North Campus
MEd – Higher Education & College Student Affairs Leadership; Grand Valley State University
Phone: (616) 331-9417
Pronouns: He/Him/His
I moved to Western Michigan and joined the fabulous team here at GVSU in the summer of 2017, and I traveled all the way from the state of Maine! I take pride in helping students be successful in college and to provide them with a memorable on-campus experience! By building relationships and connecting students to peers, faculty, and staff I hope to enrich the Grand Valley community and make everyone truly feel that they are a Laker for a Lifetime!
Graduate Staff
CION SWOOPE
Graduate Assistant
MEd – Higher Education & College Student Affairs Leadership; Grand Valley State University 2024 (In Progress)
BA – Interdisciplinary Studies; Michigan State University
Phone: (616) 331-2713
Pronouns: He/Him/His
Originally from Detroit, but I’ve lived all over Michigan. I did my undergrad at Michigan State University and graduated in 2020. During my time at Michigan State University, I was involved in the African American Student Mentoring Program as a Mentor Liaison and as a member of the AIS Honors Society. I also worked as a Student Coordinator for the MSU orientation program and as a Training Supervisor for service desk reps. After I graduated, I worked as a College Adviser for MSUCAC at Oakridge High School in Muskegon. There is when I realized I wanted to continue my education with Higher Ed. I started at Grand Valley State University as a graduate student in 2022 with plans on graduating in 2024.