Director & Staff
Nora Salas, Director
Dr. Nora Salas began her term as Director of the Kutsche Office of Local History in August 2021.
Dr. Salas is an Associate Professor of History at Grand Valley State University. She comes to the position of Director with a rich background in community organizations. Her directorship of the Kutsche Office is a continuation of her commitment to helping diverse communities claim their place in West Michigan's history. Dr Salas' academic research examines the intersections of political thought, class, region, and gender on Chicano identity, along with changes in ethnic Mexican migrant labor in West Michigan from the 1980s to the present. Dr. Salas holds a PhD and MSW from Michigan State University and a BA from the University of Michigan. Outside of work, she enjoys messy gardening, slow hiking, overly elaborate science fiction, and spending time with her husband and daughter.
Office Address: 1114 Au Sable Hall
Phone: (616) 331-8099
Email: [email protected]
Ryan Moore
Office Coordinator
Ryan Moore became the Kutsche Office Coordinator in June 2024. He splits his time between the Kutsche Office of Local History and the Area & Global Studies cluster within the School of Interdisciplinary Studies. Ryan holds a BS degree in Secondary Education in Social Studies from Northern Michigan University in Marquette. New to Grand Rapids, Ryan enjoys going on hikes, reading about history and politics, playing video games, and playing with his cats, Cooper and Remmey.
Office Address: 167 Lake Michigan Hall and
Phone: (616) 331-8099 & (616) 331-8110
Email: [email protected]