The Division of Student Affairs

Email: [email protected]

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

“My visit to campus showed me that Grand Valley has an incredible dedication to students and to colleagues,” Hall-Jones said. “I was impressed by the questions asked of me at the community interview. They were around strategy and student well-being. Everyone asked about how we are going to support students. That told me a great deal about what motivates the people at GVSU. I saw great camaraderie with the team here. I see tremendous opportunity to both be mentored and to use my skill-set to help students and the division of Student Affairs to thrive.”

Dr. Jenny Hall-Jones currently serves as the Vice President for Student Affairs. Dr. Hall-Jones joined GVSU in February 2022, as the inaugural VP of Student Affairs. Dr. Hall-Jones is excited about the tremendous opportunity to both be mentored and to use her skill-set to help elevate student voices and thrive the division of Student Affairs.

Read more about Jenny-Hall-Jones

Executive Assistant: Robin Burris ([email protected])

Email: [email protected]

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Aaron Haight has worked with the students of GVSU since 2000. She currently serves as the Associate Vice President for Student Engagement and Dean of Students. Dr. Haight has served in the Dean of Students Office since 2013 as Associate Dean, Assistant Dean and Director of Student Conduct and Special Programs while also providing leadership for the Division of Student Affairs. Prior to the Dean of Students Office, Aaron was an assistant director in the Office of Student Life for 13 years working with orientation, student organizations and fraternity and sorority life.

Aaron graduated with her Bachelor of Applied Arts degree from Central Michigan University, her Master of Public Administration from Grand Valley State University, and her Doctor of Education from Eastern Michigan University. The title of her dissertation is “Examining the Impact of Student Involvement and Intercultural Experiences on Perceptions of Institutional Commitment to Diversity".

Aaron is also a facilitator of StrengthsQuest and True Colors. She consults with area K-12 schools in college access, hazing, and diversity initiatives. She is a past member of the Allendale Public Schools Board of Trustees, Allendale Rotary and volunteered with the Allendale PTO, Allendale Youth Soccer Organization, and Allendale Little League.

In her position as Associate Vice President and Dean of Students, Aaron leads the Dean of Students Office functions and team. She provides oversight, leadership and support to the Office of Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution, the Office of Student Life, the Promotions Office, and oversees the Division of Student Affairs crisis response, first-year experience initiatives, family programs, and divisional communication and marketing efforts.

Children's Enrichment Center Dean of Students Office Office of Student Life Promotions Office Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution

Administrative Assistant: Susan Sigler ([email protected])

Email: [email protected]

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Kate Harmon currently serves as Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs with administrative oversight of Alcohol and Other Drugs Services, the Center for Health and Well-being including the Campus Health Center, the department of Recreation & Wellness, and the University Counseling Center. Kate became the Director of Campus Recreation in 2014 after working for twelve years overseeing day to day operations of the GVSU Recreation Center. Her work experience prior to GVSU included fitness and wellness promotion, personal training, group fitness instruction, and coaching soccer at youth and collegiate levels. In 2019, Kate's role increased with the oversight of the Campus Health Center and various student health initiatives. Kate has additional experience in emergency and risk management, facility management, and advocacy for low-income and underrepresented students.

Kate earned her Doctor of Education specializing in Educational Leadership from University of Michigan-Flint in 2022. She earned her Master's degree in Sports Administration from Central Michigan University in 2000 after completing a Bachelor's degree in Sports Science from Northern Michigan University in 1998. At NMU she was a student-athlete and captain of the varsity soccer team. In 2019, Kate received her Educational Specialist in Leadership degree from GVSU. When she is not at work, you will find her spending time with her family enjoying the outdoors.

Alcohol & Other Drugs Services Center for Health and Well-being Recreation & Wellness

University Counseling Center

Administrative Assistant: Erica Baker-Bringedahl ([email protected])  

Email: Kevin Conn [email protected]

Pronouns: He/Him/His

Dr. Kevin Conn joined Grand Valley State University (GVSU) as Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs for Housing and Residence Life, where he provides leadership in student housing and residential life with a focus on student success, operational excellence, and inclusive community development. He brings extensive experience in overseeing complex housing systems, strategic planning, and building high-performing teams that support diverse student populations.

Prior to joining GVSU, Dr. Conn served as Executive Director for Student Housing & Residential Life at California State University, Northridge, where he led a large-scale residential program supporting thousands of students. His work emphasized organizational leadership, crisis management, facilities and capital planning, and the integration of technology and data-informed decision-making to enhance student experiences.

Throughout his career, Dr. Conn has been deeply engaged in initiatives related to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, as well as student engagement and leadership development. He has contributed to institutional committees and national professional organizations, and is recognized for his scholarship and presentations on emotional intelligence, leadership, and the evolving role of residential education.

Dr. Conn holds a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Higher Education Administration from New York University, along with graduate degrees from Stony Brook University and Southern Illinois University Carbondale, and a Bachelor of Business Administration from Grand Valley State University.

Housing and Residence Life

 Administrative Assistant: Jasmine Yonkers ([email protected])

Email: [email protected]

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Dr. Shontaye Witcher has worked at GVSU since 2009. She believes that a successful college transition starts with preparation. Dr. Witcher served in the Division of Inclusion and Equity for 15 years in the Department of Disability Support Resources as the Assistant, Associate, Director, and Assistant Vice President until 2023. She currently serves as the Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs with administrative oversight of Student Accessibility Resources and ADA Compliance, and the Children's Enrichment Center.

Dr. Witcher graduated with her Associate in Arts degree from Muskegon Community College, her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Michigan State University (MSU), her Master of Social Work and Urban Studies degree from MSU, her Educational Specialist in Leadership from GVSU, and her Doctorate of Philosophy in Educational Leadership from Eastern Michigan University. The title of Dr. Witcher's dissertation is “Higher Education Disability Professionals Perceptions on Transition Processes for College Freshmen with Autism Spectrum Disorders”. Dr. Witcher has vast experience from learning institutions related to disabilities, transitional barriers, and support resources for fostering and encouraging independent learning.

Outside of the Grand Valley State University (GVSU) community, Dr. Witcher holds memberships on committees such as the Michigan Association on Higher Education and Disability (MI AHEAD), the Board of Directors for the Lakeshore Ethnic Diversity Alliance (LEDA), Disability Advocates of Kent County (DAKC), and Best Financial Credit Union. She is a proud Alpha Kappa Alpha, Inc. (AKA) member.

 Social Justice Centers Student Accessibility Resources

 Administrative Assistant: Coleman Brott ([email protected])