Alena E. Zachery-Ross '95

Established by Alena Zachery-Ross ‘95. The Alena E. Zachary-Ross ’95 and Quinton Ross Muskegon Heights Scholarship was established by Alena Zachery-Ross ’95 and Quinton Ross. Alena graduated from Grand Valley State University (GVSU) in 1995 with degrees in psychology and special education. Zachery-Ross taught in Detroit Public Schools and then became a school psychologist after obtaining a master’s degree. Alena also served as a teacher consultant in Van Dyke Schools which led to serving as an elementary principal, middle school principal, and assistant superintendent in that district. She was then honored to become the Superintendent of Schools for the Muskegon Heights Public School Academy System where she continues to proudly serve.

While on campus, Zachery-Ross was involved in a wide array of programs from the re-instituting the chapter and serving on the executive board for her sorority, Delta Sigma Theta, being involved in the GVSU honors program, playing clarinet in the band to helping found and be the president of the Minority Teachers Education Center (MTEC) on campus. She describes her experience at GVSU as phenomenal, extraordinary and impactful and is proud to be a Laker for a Lifetime. Since graduating she has volunteered as an Alumni Ambassador, mentored undergraduates in her sorority and two fraternities, and continues to serve on the GVSU Alumni Association Board.

This scholarship will continue her Laker Legacy, honor the Laker Legacy of her children Lena Zachery ’14 and Cordell Zachery ’16, and provide encouragement and financial assistance to graduates of Ypsilanti Community, Muskegon Heights, Van Dyke and Detroit Public Schools Community Districts who otherwise would not be able to attend GVSU.