Linda Rettig

Senior Director for TRIO College Programs

I am so excited to be a part of the TPSSS program and look forward to this new role. I have been with Grand Valley State University since 2007. I have worked in a few other departments but mostly worked with first generation students. Each of my supervisors have encouraged me to grow and learn which have prepared me for this position. I am very eager to continue the work we are doing but to get our students more involved in our planning processes. My favorite event is the Alternative Spring Break. . 

Prior to GVSU, I was a K-12 educator. I am married with four grown children, one granddaughter, a dog, and a cat. Family is very important to me. As TRIO participants each of my students become my family. 

Being a first generation student myself I know the importance of having support and resources and that is exactly what I am here to offer. 

Email: [email protected]

Hannah Scholten

Interim Assistant Director

Hannah graduated from the Grand Valley College of Education in 2009. She then went on to work in the education field for over ten years. She began running an after school enrichment program for a high school in the Detroit area. She then moved to the east coast and taught high school and middle school English and History in both the Baltimore and Washington, DC areas. Additionally, she worked as a Senior Program Instructor for the Close-Up Foundation. After having her son, she and her husband moved back to Grand Rapids and she continued her career in education by providing middle school reading intervention and extension services to 5th-8th grade students. She came back to Grand Valley as the Program Advisor for TRIO TPSSS and is now the Interim Assistant Director. She is thrilled to be a Laker again! 

You can email Hannah at [email protected] 

Carsyn Brunette

Graduate Assistant 

Carsyn is a former TRIO TPSSS student who graduated this past summer, 2025, with her Bachelor of Social Work. She is currently in the Advanced Standing Master of Social Work program, pursuing her MSW. Carsyn is from the Upper Peninsula and has interned in a variety of social work departments and schools. During her internships she has worked with groups, families, and individuals from a variety of backgrounds. With that, she is thrilled to have the opportunity to work with underrepresented students as she is one herself, sharing similar experiences. Carsyn has always been one to help others in which she is excited to meet new faces, build connections, and help guide students towards success!