Our Team
GVSU Omni
Kara Van Dam, Ph.D., MBA
Chief Executive of GVSU Omni
(616) 331-7624
Dr. Kara Van Dam earned both a doctorate and master’s degree in linguistics from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She received a master’s degree in business administration from Kaplan University and a bachelor of general studies in French and linguistics from the University of Michigan. She grew up in West Michigan and is a graduate of East Grand Rapids High School.
Kara leads GVSU Omni and oversees several areas at the university including adult and continuing studies, the career center, executive education and enterprise partnerships, and regional campuses including the center at Jackson College.
Shawn Jenkins, Ed.S., MPA
Director, Central/West Michigan
(616) 331-6429
Shawn Jenkins is a doctoral student at Central Michigan University and has earned her Education Specialist and Master of Public Administration (MPA) degrees from GVSU. Shawn is a West Michigan native where she graduated from Muskegon Heights High School.
As the director of the Central/West Michigan, Shawn oversees 15 counties. Her responsibilities are to build relationships and create partnerships with community colleges and the communities within this region.
Jackson College
Jenni DuBois, MBA
Student Services Coordinator
(517) 796-8674
Jenni DuBois earned both her bachelor’s degree in business administration and a master’s degree in business administration (MBA) with a concentration in leadership studies from Baker College. She grew up in the Jackson, Michigan area and is a graduate of Northwest Community Schools.
Jenni has 20 years of experience in higher education with a focus in several student services areas including financial aid and academic advising. She is excited to build lasting relationships between GVSU and the Jackson community.