News
GVSU staff create sense of belonging and connection for students
August 13, 2025
I found my passion for higher education as a student at the University of Tampa. I worked in a student-led volunteer office, planning and leading service-learning trips for students that focused on social and environmental issues. These trips ranged from learning about immigration in Oakland, California, to community development and environmental preservation in Ecuador, to human trafficking in Atlanta, Georgia. Several years after graduating, students would share how those service-learning trips had a big effect on them. Imagine being an environmental studies major who gets to spend two weeks living in a small community while exploring the jungles of the Amazon rainforest. It was formative for their lives and careers, and my own.
After earning a bachelor’s degree in psychology, I moved to Kansas City, where I worked in fundraising and helped plan large-scale events for a pediatric charity. As an event coordinator, I learned a lot while being part of a nonprofit that provided medical grants to help children’s families who might have struggled to afford medical equipment, care or travel-related costs. With my goal of working in higher education, I moved to London to pursue a master’s degree in social justice and education at the University College of London. After gaining global perspective, I moved to Traverse City with the hope of growing my career in the education field.
Through my experiences, I saw the impact that higher education and experiential learning can have on students. I am honored to now support students as Grand Valley State University’s assistant director of students-Northern Michigan region. In my current role, I strive to offer that same impactful experience for students who enroll at GVSU through the Traverse City Regional Center. Any given week, you will find me communicating with students about academic programs, sharing resources and opportunities, and regularly connecting with regional partners, such as Northwestern Michigan College. I recognize that the transition into college is a very formative experience for some students. I am passionate about supporting students’ growth, learning and personal goals. GVSU’s Traverse City Regional Center strives to offer well-rounded resources and support. We look to create a sense of connection and belonging for students, and I’m very proud to be a part of the GVSU team in Northern Michigan. Whether you are a transfer student, adult learner or new-to-college student, Grand Valley can offer students what they are seeking: a cost-effective, timely academic path that will support their career goals in Northern Michigan.
By Jessie Fousset