Taking effect in July of 2010, Jeffrey Potteiger of Miami University of Ohio will take residence at Grand Valley State University as the new Dean of Graduate Studies.

Potteiger has already logged 30 years worth of time as a public school teacher in south central Pennsylvania and then as a professor at numerous universities including; Indiana State, the University of Kansas and Virginia Commonwealth University.

“I am looking forward to working with Dr. Potteiger when he becomes Dean of Graduate Studies since his experience in a similar role at a school that follows a mission similar to Grand Valley’s will be invaluable as we continue to develop our graduate programs and processes,” said Gayle Davis, provost and vice president for Academic and Student Affairs.

Potteiger has held a number of administrative positions in his extensive teaching career, including directing research laboratories at each institution, serving as a department chairperson and as a dean and associate provost for research. After several teaching awards and more than 95 published research articles, book chapters and books, Potteiger became interested in developing and promoting graduate education programs.

“I really enjoy teaching and conducting research with students and fellow professionals,” Potteiger said, adding the opportunity to become Dean of Graduate Studies at GVSU really appealed to him. “Once I visited Grand Valley State and met the president, provost, members of the search committee, faculty and students, I knew this was a university that I would really helping achieve their mission and vision.”

Potteiger is a husband and father of two children who has a passion for traveling, sports, reading, museums, good movies and working with students.

“Dr. Potteiger brings a breadth of experience in graduate education, research and collaboration that will greatly benefit Grand Valley’s graduate programs,” said Steven Glass, associate dean of Interdisciplinary Studies. “I am confident that he will work with faculty from across the university to enhance graduate programming and promote new opportunities for students seeking a graduate degree here at Grand Valley.”

Potteiger said at GVSU, he is most excited about working with the students, staff and faculty to provide the best educational experiences he can for the students here, which includes developing and promoting innovative programs.

“The opportunity to be creative and forward thinking is something that is very appealing to me,” Potteiger said. “I hope to develop excellent working relationships with all parties interested in making the graduate programs at Grand Valley the best they can be.”

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