As an applied research center of Grand Valley State University, we’re proud to play a central role in preparing emerging practitioners to pursue distinguished careers in the nonprofit sector.
We work closely with colleagues across the university to develop research projects, leverage institutional assets, and provide world-class learning and job training for undergraduate and graduate students.
Meet Our Leadership at Grand Valley State University
Philomena V. Mantella, Ph.D.
Philomena V. Mantella, Ph.D.
President Philomena V. Mantella brings more than three decades of higher education experience to her role. She not only leads where she is, ...
Fatma Mili, Ph.D.
Fatma Mili, Ph.D.
Fatma Mili, Ph.D., was appointed provost and executive vice president for Academic Affairs at Grand Valley State University in July 2022. ...
Robert P. Smart, Ph.D.
Robert P. Smart, Ph.D.
Robert P. Smart, Ph.D., is vice provost for research administration and the founding executive director of the Center for Scholarly and ...
Fellowships in Philanthropic Studies
The Johnson Center’s fellowships are open to GVSU faculty and students. Through original research, publication opportunities, and faculty-student mentorship, fellows are encouraged to explore new approaches to and ways of understanding philanthropy.
Agard Student Fellowships in Community Philanthropy
Kathy Agard retired as executive director of the Johnson Center in 2010, after a career providing leadership for the Michigan Community Foundations’ Youth Project and Learning to Give. Each year, two Agard Fellows are selected to engage in research in community philanthropy and to contribute to ongoing research at the Johnson Center.
Maddison Reilly, Graduate Student, GVSU; Winni Walsh, Graduate Student, GVSU
Orosz Student Fellowship in Philanthropy
Joel Orosz, distinguished professor of philanthropic studies emeritus at GVSU, founded The Grantmaking School and was a program director at the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. Each year, two Orosz Fellows are selected to engage in research in philanthropy as it relates to their academic discipline and to contribute to research at the Johnson Center.
Laken Chapin, Undergraduate Student, GVSU; Nicole “Knicki” Karsies, Graduate Student, GVSU
Mawby Faculty Fellowship in Philanthropic Studies
This fellowship honors long-time president and CEO of the W.K. Kellogg Foundation and co-founder of the Johnson Center, Russ Mawby. One faculty member is selected annually to conduct research focused on the intersection of philanthropy and their field of study. The fellow selects two undergraduate student fellows as research assistants.
Elena Lioubimtseva, Professor, GVSU; Katherine Carron, Undergraduate Student, GVSU; Bushra Mohamed-Elmabruk Rashrash, Undergraduate Student, GVSU
My single biggest privilege at GVSU was receiving the Agard/Orosz Fellowship for 2019-2020. Since my first lecture with Dr. Moody, I desired to work with him at the Johnson Center. As an international student, an opportunity to work with individuals of such a high caliber is normally only a dream. The fellowship allowed me to research emerging topics in philanthropy and it gave me an opportunity to be in the same room as some of the most influential philanthropic thinkers in the country.”
Pedro Gomes
2019-2020 Agard Fellow at the Johnson Center
Pedro Gomes
2019-2020 Agard Fellow at the Johnson Center
Grand Valley State University
Degree Programs in Philanthropy
GVSU Charge for Racial Equity & Inclusion
As part of the Grand Valley State University community, we are committed to taking concrete actions to bring about greater justice, equity, and inclusion. Read the official statement from GVSU President Philomena V. Mantella and explore the university’s detailed action plan and anti-racism resources at the link below.