Our Impact
The History Behind OSSB
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.
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.
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.
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.