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
Daphnea
Last Name
Sutherland
Email
sutherd1@gvsu.edu
Title
Director, Children's Enrichment Center
Website
Children's Enrichment Center
Office Address
Children's Enrichment Center
Office Phone
(616) 331-5437
About
Daphnea began at GVSU as an undergrad and quickly began to love all that encompasses the University. Daphnea graduated with a Bachelor's in Exercise Science- Teaching Instruction and Fitness in 2013 and again in 2019 with a Master's degree in Curriculum Instruction-Early Childhood. Her goal in acquiring the two different degrees was to combine the education into a position that allowed her to teach academics and a love for healthy living.
Daphnea began at the Children's Enrichment Center as a parent. Her now 12-year-old daughter, attended the CEC when Daphnea was completing her bachelor's degree. Daphnea loved everything about the program and all that the CEC offered. Even better, that her daughter was able to learn while also being a part of the GVSU experience. Her daughter, as one of GVSU's Littlest Lakers, was able to learn and see first hand what a University is and grow to understand the importance of education. Daphnea says that as a Little Laker, her daughter knew more about the GVSU campus than she did. The CEC's program fully encompasses the benefits that the GVSU campus provides as a vital part of their curriculum. For example; if the children want to learn about ponds, animals, construction, etc., the GVSU campus has multitudes of hands-on experiences and places where real learning can come to life for the children at the CEC.
Daphnea began working at the CEC in the spring of 2014. She began by teaching nutrition and physical activity lessons and enjoyed working at the center so much, that she transitioned into teaching full time in the classroom, as a Lead Teacher. A couple of years later, she was provided the opportunity to also work in an assistant administrative position. This past fall Daphnea was hired as the CEC's director and she is beyond excited for all that this position entails. GVSU and the CEC have been an integral part of Daphnea's life for the past 10 years. For her and her daughter, GVSU and the CEC are home. Now as Director, Daphnea is excited to maintain all that she has loved about the CEC and all that has made it such a wonderful place for young learners and their families over the years, while also bringing excitement and a passion for further positive change and growth. Daphnea said that the absolute best part of the job is the people. Daphnea has the ability to work with so many different people; encompassing so much diversity; cultures, races, ages, and more. To have the ability to be a part of a child's life, their learning, and their growth brings so much joy. Working together with families is also so important, and it brings so much joy as you get to know them better and partner with them in their child's positive growth. The experience at the CEC is about more than learning. It is about doing our best to provide the best opportunity and experience to our families, the children, and to our staff. The CEC is a family of students, teachers, parents, and more and Daphnea is beyond thrilled to be able to be a part of it as the Director.
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