President George Grant Jr

George Grant Jr. was appointed as the fifth president of Saginaw Valley State University (SVSU) on January 1, 2023.

Dr. Grant previously served as chancellor of Pennsylvania State University Berks. Prior to that, he spent 24 years at Grand Valley State University in Michigan, including 12 years as dean of the College of Community and Public Service.

He began his professional and leadership journey in child welfare, focusing on foster care, adoption, and family preservation. In addition to his work in private practice, he has co-authored twelve books.

Dr. Grant remains actively involved in advancing regional economic development, public policy, and higher education. He serves on the boards of the Great Lakes Bay Regional Alliance, Saginaw Future, Bay Future, and the Citizens Research Council of Michigan. He also serves on the Michigan Association of State Universities Board of Directors. Additionally, Governor Gretchen Whitmer recently appointed Dr. Grant to the Michigan Workforce Development Board, where he helps guide policies and strategies aimed at strengthening the state’s talent pipeline.

Dr. Grant’s academic journey began at Wayne County Community College, followed by a bachelor's degree in social work from Marygrove College in Detroit. He earned a master’s degree in social work from Grand Valley State University and a Ph.D. in sociology from Western Michigan University. He also holds a certificate from the Harvard Institute for Educational Management.