Leadership
The Division of Student Affairs leadership team meets weekly to enhance relationships and support the shared responsibility for a division wide focus on student success. Division updates are provided by the Vice President for Student Affairs.
Leadership
First Name
Takeelia
Last Name
Garrett
Email
garrettt@gvsu.edu
Title
Student Ombuds
Website
Student Ombuds
Office Address
232 Student Services Building
Office Phone
(616) 331-2491
About
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Takeelia Garrett is a true Laker for a Lifetime! In 2005 she came back to her beloved alma mater to work in Housing and Residence Life as an Assistant Director. She was in Housing and Residence Life until 2016 when she became the first Student Ombuds at GVSU. While she enjoyed her time in Housing and Residence Life, Takeelia enjoys working with students on a deeper level. Her career in student housing has spanned 20 years.
Prior to coming back to GVSU in 2005, Takeelia worked at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor as a Hall Director in Mosher-Jordan Hall, the University of Toledo, GVSU as a hall director, and Ferris State University. Takeelia graduated from Grand Valley State University with a Bachelor’s degree in International Relations and Political Science with a minor in Sociology (1996) and a Master’s degree in Education, College Student Affairs Leadership (CSAL).
Takeelia loves to spend her free time with her son, Jermarrio, family and friends. She has been trained in DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) work, is trained in restorative justice circle facilitation, and is a trained mediator. Takeelia is a proud member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. and is passionate about her work with students. She wants to see students graduate as Lakers and works with them to make that happen. Takeelia sees the Student Ombuds role as an integral part of the GVSU community as a resource and a private place to seek assistance.
One of her favorite quotes is by Mary Kay Ash, "Everyone has an invisible sign hanging from their neck saying, 'Make me feel important.' Never forget this message when working with people." Everyone is important and deserves to be treated as such.
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