Danyelle GregoryA former Ferris State University staff member and current doctoral student is officially returning to the Big Rapids campus as an employee. Danyelle Gregory has been named the new Office of Multicultural Student Services director, becoming the third person to lead that Student Affairs division operation.
Dean of Student Life Joy Pulsifer, who made the announcement, said Gregory begins duties at the end of August.
“We are very excited to welcome Danyelle back to our division, the Office of Multicultural Student Services and the Student Life team,” Pulsifer said. “She has a strong track record of connecting with and assisting students in navigating higher education and is personable, passionate and student-centered. I am confident Danyelle will continue the strong tradition and foundation of support provided by the Office of Multicultural Student Services and will build upon the rich and critical 35-year history of OMSS.”
Gregory brings more than a decade of experience advocating for students of color and other underrepresented groups, including first-generation students and those from low-income backgrounds, most recently as the director of Diversity, Access and Inclusion at Muskingum University in New Concord, Ohio. Her Ferris ties include service as an OMSS staff member from 2014 through 2019 as the coordinator of Pre-College Programs. Gregory is currently a graduate student in Ferris’ Doctorate in Community College Leadership program and is in the last stages of completing that degree.
“The OMSS holds a special place in my heart. I look forward to continuing rich traditions that make the office unique,” Gregory said. “Connecting with and supporting all Ferris students, particularly our underrepresented student populations, is a true passion of mine. I am eager to pay forward all the great mentorship and leadership instilled in me by former colleagues, Dr. Matthew Chaney and Mike Wade. I cannot wait to welcome our new and returning students this fall while re-establishing the true essence of providing them with a home away from home after this unprecedented year we have all experienced.”
Pulsifer said a particular student’s comments impressed selection committee members after attending finalist interviews. The student saluted Gregory’s prioritizing intersectionality and university-wide collaboration in helping students accomplish their goals. Further, student feedback applauded Gregory’s passion for the Ferris students, whose lives and college experiences she hopes to affect positively as OMSS director.
More information about the Office of Multicultural Student Services is available online.