Final dean of students candidate shares vision for student success

The final candidate interviewing for the position of vice provost and dean of students said it's imperative for divisions to work together to address barriers to student success. 

Marlene Kowalski-Braun, assistant vice president for Inclusion and Student Affairs at Grand Valley, answered questions and gave a public presentation April 6 in the Kirkhof Center.  

"There are currently five generations of students on campus, all with different perspectives," Kowalski-Braun said. "We must support our current students and envision what the next generation will need to succeed." 

Like other candidates, she was asked to discuss ideas on a topic relevant to student success. She shared new ideas that incorporated an overall theme of collaboration, including facilitating student-faculty engagement, creating a sense of belonging for students and elevating attention to self care and the well-being of students, among others. 

Kowalski-Braun was named assistant vice president for Inclusion and Student Affairs in 2018. Before that, she served as associate vice provost for Student Affairs and assistant vice president for Inclusion and Equity at Grand Valley from 2015-2017. She also served as assistant vice provost for Student Affairs from 2011-2015. She has served in multiple roles at Grand Valley for more than 20 years.  

She received a bachelor's degree in interpersonal and public communication from Central Michigan University, a master's degree in student personnel administration in higher education from Ball State University and a doctorate in educational leadership from Western Michigan University. 

A search committee composed of students, faculty and staff members worked with a search firm to identify candidates and conduct initial interviews.