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Office of Student Support and Belonging

carillon tower, cook-dewitt, and student services building in autumn with some fog

The History Behind OSSB

The Office of Student Support and Belonging (OSSB) was created to foster an inclusive, empowering environment for all students. Evolving from an idea to unite programs like the Oliver Wilson Scholars, HBCU/HSI Consortium, and Fostering Laker Success under one mission. This transformation reflects GVSU’s deepened commitment to fostering a campus where every student feels seen, supported, and empowered to thrive. With a focus on equity, access, and belonging, OSSB continues to grow and evolve, helping Lakers navigate their academic journeys and build meaningful connections within the university community.

Our Impact

B. Donta Truss is Grand Valley State University’s new vice president for Enrollment Development.

2020

Diverse Populations and Retention Initiative Created

Oliver Wilson Scholars and other scholarship programs are moved to the Division of Enrollment Development and Educational Outreach under the leadership of Vice President B. Donta Truss

2021

Increase in OWS Students

The Oliver Wilson Scholars Program sees an increase from 128 students in the 21/22 academic year to 682 students in the 24/25 academic year.

Oliver Wilson our Founder
GVSU broadcasting student Ronald Jackson studies as part of the Oliver Wilson Scholars program at the Holton-Hooker Learning and Living Center on July 22.

2021

Increase in Scholarship Awards

The number of students in scholarship programs (Challenge Scholars, Kalamazoo Promise, Pickard Scholars, Phoenix Pact Students, Wade H. McCree Students) grow from 66 in academic year 21/22 to 168 in 24/25.

2023

Creation of Office of Student Support and Belonging

The Office of Diverse Populations and Retention Initiatives is reorganized and re-envisioned as the Office of Student Support and Belonging.

OSSB Logo
Jessica Saint Amour, PhD- Assistant Vice President

2023

Assistant Vice President Named

Dr. Jessica Saint Amour is named as Assistant Vice President of Student Support and Belonging

2024

Fostering Laker Success Joins OSSB

Fostering Laker Success, a grant funded program that supports students formerly in foster care or other out-of-home placement is moved into OSSB.

Campus Photo of the Anchor Up hand sign
TRIO students leave the GVSU Detroit Center on March 7 for a TRIO student leadership summit in Traverse City. (TRIO Upward Bound Detroit has GVSU photo releases for students)

2026

GVSU Federal TRIO Program Officially Joins OSSB

Federal TRIO Programs at Grand Valley State University officially joins the Office of Student Support and Belonging. TRIO consists of outreach and student services programs designed to identify and provide services for individuals with varying needs. TRIO includes many different programs targeted to serve and assist student access and successful completion at a post-secondary institution.

Page last modified September 21, 2026