Alumna Spotlight: Danyelle Gregory
“College access work is a pipeline to diversity and inclusion work."
Dr. Danyelle Gregory, M.A. ’14, is Associate Vice President of Diversity and Inclusion at Western Michigan University, where she leads initiatives aimed at fostering equitable, inclusive, and supportive environments for students, faculty, and staff. A strategic leader and transformational change agent, she brings extensive experience in federal grants management, program development, change management, assessment, public speaking, and educational outreach.
Her commitment to higher education and student success began as a participant in the TRIO Upward Bound program at Battle Creek Central High School. Reflecting on her journey, Dr. Gregory says, “My journey to this work actually came as a fairly natural progression. I am a product of a TRIO Upward Bound program and was afforded many rich experiences that gave me a great affinity for such programs.” These formative experiences led her to work as a teacher assistant in the summer Upward Bound program and later with similar college access programs, shaping her dedication to serving underrepresented student populations.
Dr. Gregory earned her master’s degree in Higher Education and Student Affairs (HESA) at WMU, where she served as a graduate assistant for the Michigan GEAR UP grant. She credits the program with equipping her to navigate the complexities of higher education systems and supporting her growth as a practitioner. “College access work is a pipeline to diversity and inclusion work,” she explains, “as you often work with underrepresented student populations. My love for this work runs deep and I am a firm believer in paying it forward.” Her HESA coursework and cohort experiences provided practical skills, mentorship, and networking opportunities that directly influenced her career trajectory.
Before joining WMU, Dr. Gregory held leadership positions at Ferris State University, Kellogg Community College, and Muskingum University, developing programs and strategies to enhance equity, inclusion, and student success. She also coordinated the Michigan GEAR UP program at Ferris, implementing initiatives that supported economically and academically disadvantaged students and strengthened pathways to college access. Throughout her career, Dr. Gregory has consistently advocated for dismantling systemic barriers and creating inclusive opportunities in higher education.
Dr. Gregory holds a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Community College Leadership from Ferris State University. Her work demonstrates the lasting impact of the HESA program in preparing leaders who drive meaningful, systemic change in higher education while empowering students and communities to thrive.