Supervisor of the Year
During Student Employee Appreciation Week, we introduced our very first Supervisor of the Year! Please read below to learn more about Kendra and the amazing work she's doing to support her student employees.
Where do you work at GVSU and how long have you worked here?
- Admissions & Recruitment Office (4 years in June)
What do you like most about being a student employee supervisor?
- I love serving as a mentor for my students! When I was a student here, I had a few supervisors that motivated me but also held me accountable in both my professional and academic life. Those relationships had a lasting impression on me and empowered me to pursue a career in higher education — a career where I could be that beacon of support for future students!
Do you have any advice for student employees on how to succeed?
- Step out of your "comfort zone" and into your "challenge zone". Don't become complacent and stagnant — continue to seek opportunities and connections with folks that will challenge you to reach the next level of your potential!
What do you enjoy doing outside of the office?
- I love cooking, reading, gaming, crocheting/crafting, attending concerts and traveling (I just got back from Japan and am planning a trip to Italy next year)! I really love learning about different cultures and cooking & traveling have always been ways where I can immerse myself, but I also taken up learning languages (currently learning Spanish & Japanese).
Student Submission
I am honored to nominate my supervisor, Kendra Ollis, for the Supervisor of the Year Award. As my direct supervisor, she has had a truly meaningful impact on both my professional development and my confidence as a student employee. Kendra goes far beyond managing schedules and overseeing tasks. She genuinely invests in her student employees. She takes time to explain processes, provide thoughtful guidance, and ensure that we understand not just what we are doing but why it matters. Because of her mentorship, I have grown in responsibility, professionalism, and confidence.
What stands out most about Kendra is her supportive and approachable leadership style. She creates an environment where I feel comfortable asking questions, sharing ideas, and learning from mistakes. She offers constructive feedback in a way that builds growth rather than discouragement. Her encouragement has helped me step outside of my comfort zone and develop skills I will carry into my future career. Kendra is also deeply understanding of the balance student employees must maintain between academics and work. She shows flexibility when needed and regularly checks in to make sure we are doing well not just as employees but as students and individuals.
You can tell when Kendra is not in the office, her presence is that impactful, and she makes herself fully available whenever she is. Kendra is incredibly hardworking, honestly, she is like a superwoman. She manages a lot with professionalism while still making sure I have everything I need to get the job done. She trusts us with meaningful responsibilities, encourages us to take ownership, and motivates us to grow. On top of all that, she brings humor, joy and positivity into the workplace, making it a welcoming and enjoyable environment every day.
Under Kendra’s supervision, I do not feel like just a student employee. I feel valued, trusted, and empowered. She models professionalism, compassion, and leadership in everything she does, and I am incredibly grateful to work under her guidance. For her dedication to mentoring, supporting, and empowering her student employees, I wholeheartedly believe Kendra Ollis exemplifies what the Supervisor of the Year Award represents.