Meet Our TRIO Training Experts

Empowering students and professionals alike, our faculty and staff bring a wealth of real-life experience in admissions, financial aid, and financial/economic literacy. These dedicated experts are at the forefront of creating pathways for first-generation, low-income, and students with disabilities to access and succeed in higher education. With a passion for equity and inclusion, they are leaders in the TRIO community and beyond, committed to transforming lives through knowledge, advocacy, and personalized support. Each member of our team is a vital part of our mission to open doors and inspire futures.


Dr. Nykia Gaines

Dr. Nykia Gaines, Ph.D., Associate Vice President for Federal TRIO Programs

Welcome to Grand Valley State University’s Federal TRIO Programs! My name is Nykia D. Gaines, also known as Dr. G. I’m proud to serve as the Associate Vice President for Federal TRIO Programs, where I work alongside a dedicated team working to support students from first-generation, low-income, and underrepresented backgrounds. My journey with GVSU began in 1994 as a freshman from Detroit, and I have been fortunate to grow alongside this incredible institution ever since.

I earned my B.S. in Criminal Justice in 1998, followed by an M.Ed. in College Student Affairs Leadership in 2001 from Grand Valley. My passion for supporting students led me to pursue a Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration, which I completed at Bowling Green State University in 2012. Since returning to GVSU, I have held various roles, including Apartment Director, Sr. Academic Advisor, Director of TRIO Student Support Services STEM-Health Sciences, and Interim Associate Dean of Students, all of which have strengthened my commitment to student success and equity in education.

In my current role, I lead GVSU’s TRIO Programs, overseeing federal compliance, staff development, and student outcomes, ensuring that we provide a transformative experience for the students we serve. My work also involves advocacy at both the regional and national levels, where I strive to amplify the voices of first-generation college students. 

Beyond my professional life, I am a proud mother to my son Elijah, and I enjoy spending quality time with my family. My husband, Quandours, and I cherish family time, and I’m passionate about traveling abroad and exploring new cultures.

Full-Time Position: Associate Vice President for Federal TRIO Programs, Division of Enrollment Development and Educational Outreach
Office Address: 200 STU
Phone: (616) 331-5430
Email: [email protected]


Dr. B. Donta Truss, Ed.D., Vice President for Enrollment Development and Educational Outreach

Dr. B. Donta Truss is the Vice President for Enrollment Development and Educational Outreach at Grand Valley State University, where he leads initiatives to expand access and improve student success, particularly for low-income and first-generation students. With over two decades in higher education, his leadership spans Historically Black Colleges/Universities and Predominantly White Institutions, focusing on enrollment management, student retention, accreditation, institutional effectiveness, and fundraising.

Before joining GVSU, Dr. Truss served as Senior Vice President for Enrollment Management, Student Affairs, and Student Success at Shippensburg University, where his efforts led to increased undergraduate and graduate enrollment and retention. He also held executive leadership roles in the University System of Georgia, serving as Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Retention at Albany State University and Vice President/Vice Provost for Student Success at Fort Valley State University.

A triple graduate of Alabama State University, Dr. Truss holds a doctorate in Educational Leadership, Policy, and Law. He is a recognized national leader in enrollment management, serving on the AACRAO LEAD Curriculum Workgroup, and is a trained accreditation evaluator for SACS and MSCHE. His contributions have earned him accolades such as Michigan Chronicle’s Men of Excellence and Georgia Trend Magazine’s 40 Under 40.

Outside of his professional work, Dr. Truss mentors young scholars through his nonprofit, Turning Dreams into Reality (TDI), which provides mentorship and financial support to African American male students. He is an active member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., and various professional organizations. Dr. Truss and his wife, Lykesia, have four children: Kayla, B. Donta II, Tyler, and Amber.

Full-Time Position: Vice President for Enrollment Development and Educational Outreach
Office Address: 4035 JHZ
Phone: (616) 331-2500
Email: [email protected]

Dr. B. Donta Truss

Dr. Jessica Saint Amour

Dr. Jessica Saint Amour, Ph.D., Assistant Vice President of Student Support and Belonging

Jessica Saint Amour (she/her/hers) is the Assistant Vice President of Student Support and Belonging at Grand Valley State University. She is currently involved in a number of higher education and social justice organizations and is a current and former grant partner with the American Association for University Women, the Office of Civil Rights, and the Department of Health and Human Services. Jessica's writing has been published in the Journal Progressive Policy and Practice, The National Women's Studies Journal, Paradigm Magazine, Demeter, and Springer Press. Jessica earned her bachelor's degree from Bowling Green State University in English, her master's degree from Eastern Michigan University in Women's and Gender Studies, and her doctorate from the University of Missouri in Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis.

Full-Time Position: Assistant Vice President of Student Support and Belonging, Division of Enrollment Development and Educational Outreach
Office Address: 1240 KC
Phone: (616) 331-2754
Email: [email protected]


Ms. Michelle Rhodes, Associate Vice President for Financial Aid

Michelle has worked at GVSU for over eighteen years and is currently the Associate Vice President for Financial Aid. She has an MBA from GVSU and BBA in Business Statistics from Western Michigan University. At GVSU, Michelle's areas of leadership include Financial Aid, Scholarships, Student Employment, and a financial literacy program called MoneySmart Lakers. Michelle is most passionate about creating equitable practices for applying for and receiving financial aid and scholarships and ensuring that all students have access to their basic needs (food, housing, technology, etc) in order to be a successful college student. Financial literacy and financial wellness is another area where Michelle spends her time and effort.

Full-Time Position: Associate Vice President for Financial Aid, Division of Enrollment Development and Educational Outreach
Office Address: 100 STU
Phone: (616) 331-3234
Email: [email protected]

Ms. Michelle Rhodes

Ms. Cherrly Arnold

Ms. Cherryl Arnold, CEO of OMC Consulting, LTD

Cherryl Arnold is a retied executive TRIO director. She is a Professional Development Consultant for the Council for Opportunity in Education (COE) and the CEO of OMC (Onboarding, Maintenance, and Compliance) Consulting, LTD. Cherryl has 34 years of professional experience in working with individuals from diverse and social backgrounds, including all TRIO Programs, as well as a Summer Bridge Program, Educational Opportunity Program (EOP), Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEARUP), Title III and the College Preparation Program in Georgia. She was also the Institute Coordinator/Special Assistant with the Southern Region Education Board. She has the expertise and extensive knowledge of the Federal TRIO Program guidelines and regulations. She has often been called upon to conduct workshops, site visits, program audits, On-boarding, proposal writings, and edits to assist TRIO Program administrators in ensuring their programs follow the U.S. Department of Education regulations governing TRIO Programs. For over 34 years, Cherryl has been responsible for writing successful grants. She has experience reading and scoring grant proposals for the U.S. Department of Education and reading and critiquing all TRIO proposals at the COE national proposal writing workshops.

Her recognition with the Walter O Mason Lifetime Achievement Awardee from COE in 2016 reflects her inspiring commitment.

She is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. Inc. and has traveled extensively in Europe, Southeast Asia, Mexico, the Caribbean, the Virgin Islands, and Canada.

Full-Time Position: Ceo of OMC Consulting, LTD
Phone: (404) 290-6577
Email: [email protected]


Dr. Daniel Velez, Ph.D., Associate Vice President for Admissions and Recruitment

Welcome to Grand Valley State University’s Federal TRIO Programs! Daniel Vélez serves as the Associate Vice President for Admissions and Recruitment at Grand Valley State University, where he oversees strategic initiatives to enhance enrollment, foster access, and promote student success. With over 22 years of experience in higher education, Daniel has a proven record of driving innovative recruitment strategies and advancing equity-centered policies. A dedicated advocate for college access, Daniel focuses on creating pathways for underrepresented populations, including veterans, first-generation students, and adult learners. His leadership has been instrumental in implementing initiatives like Competency-Based Education (CBE) and fostering partnerships with organizations such as the Michigan College Access Network (MCAN) to reduce educational disparities.

As an Excelencia Policy Fellow, Daniel leverages his expertise to advocate for policies that support equitable student outcomes. His active engagement in national organizations such as NACAC and AACRAO reflects his commitment to ethical and impactful practices in admissions and recruitment.

Daniel's leadership philosophy emphasizes collaboration, transparency, and innovation, ensuring that GVSU's Admissions and Recruitment team is well-positioned to meet the needs of diverse learners and contribute to the university's mission of fostering a culture of educational equity.

Full-Time Position: Associate Vice President for Admissions and Recruitment, Division of Enrollment Development and Educational Outreach
Office Address: 300 STU
Phone: (616) 729-2062
Email: [email protected]

Dr. Nykia Gaines

Dr. LuWanna Williams

Dr. LuWanna Williams, Ed.D., Executive Director for REP4

LuWanna Williams, Ed.D., is the Executive Director of REP4 at Grand Valley State University, leading a national alliance dedicated to transforming education through student-driven innovation and equity-focused design.

She also serves as the University Director for the Center for Financial Advancement® at HomeFree-USA, where she oversees partnerships with more than 16 HBCUs and industry sponsors, supporting the personal and professional growth of over 350 students annually. Additionally, she coordinates the HBCU/HSI Consortium at Grand Valley State University, enhancing student engagement and securing substantial funding for educational programs.

With a distinguished 13-year career at Fort Valley State University, Williams held key leadership roles, including Associate Director of Athletics, Assistant Vice President in Student Affairs, and Executive Director for Strategic Academic Partnerships. Her experience also includes serving as Executive Director for a national small school initiative and teaching in Georgia’s Bibb County School District.

Williams earned a Bachelor of Science in Middle Grades Education from Mercer University, a Master of Science in Higher Education and Leadership, and a Doctorate of Education in Higher Education Leadership and Practice from the University of North Georgia.

Full-Time Position: Executive Director for REP4, Office of the President
Phone: (616) 953-9381
Email: [email protected]


Mr. Robert muhammad, Executive Director of Financial Aid

Robert Muhammad has dedicated his career to higher education, specializing in student support and enrollment management. With a strong background in financial assistance—including federal financial aid and veteran educational benefits—he is equally committed to college access and success through programs like Upward Bound.

Currently, Robert serves as the Executive Director of Financial Aid at Howard University, where he oversees the administration of more than $515 million in aid. His career path includes leadership roles such as Director of Scholarships and Financial Aid at Winston-Salem State University, Associate Director for Scholarships at UNC Charlotte, Assistant Director of Financial Aid at UNC Charlotte, Program Coordinator for Upward Bound at Central Piedmont Community College, and Financial Aid Counselor/Veterans Affairs Coordinator at Central Piedmont Community College.

Robert sees financial aid as more than just numbers and policies—it’s a mission. He believes that an awardable FAFSA is a student’s “golden ticket” to achieving their educational dreams. Beyond helping students navigate the financial aid process, he is deeply invested in mentoring and preparing the next generation of financial aid administrators.

His leadership in the field extends beyond his campus roles. He has served as President of the District of Columbia for Tri-State (DE-DC-MD) Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators, as well as President of NCASFAA (North Carolina Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators). He has also held board positions with EASFAA (Eastern Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators) and SASFAA (Southern Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators). A sought-after speaker, Robert has presented for NASFAA (National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators), the U.S. Department of Education, and various professional organizations, sharing insights on financial aid policy, administration, and best practices.

Outside of work, Robert and his wife, Dr. Kristen McManus-Muhammad, are proud pet parents to Logan Victor—their 16-pound rescue dog with an endless supply of energy and love. As a popular culture enthusiast, he enjoys collecting comic books, comic book art, vintage toys, professional wrestling memorabilia, and playing video games.

Favorite Observation:

"He who provides you with the radius of your knowledge prescribes for you the circumference and sphere of your thinking."

Full-Time Position: Executive Director, Office of Financial Aid, Howard University
Phone: (704) 877-7016
Email: [email protected]

Mr. Robert M.

Lauren Glynn

Ms. Lauren Glynn, Senior Audio Visual Specialist

Lauren Glynn (she/her/hers) is the Senior Audio Visual Specialist at IT Services at Grand Valley State University. With a background in audiovisual technology, live event production, and media presentation, she is passionate about working in higher education and engaging with students. At GVSU, she is dedicated to enhancing AV experiences across campus and supporting innovative learning environments. Lauren earned her associate's degree from Southwestern Michigan College before transferring to the University of Saint Francis, where she completed her Bachelor of Science in Music Technology.

Full-Time Position: Senior Audio Visual Specialist, IT Services
Office Address: 108 MAN
Phone: (616) 331-9024
Email: [email protected]



Page last modified February 14, 2025