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Inclusive by Design Leading Learner-Ready Transformation: Meet Dr. B. Donta Truss
We are honored to feature Dr. B. Donta Truss in our Education Leadership Spotlight. As Vice President of Enrollment Development and Educational Outreach at Grand Valley State University, he champions access, equity, and student success—building pathways that transform lives and expand opportunity for future generations.
Tell us about your personal journey.
My journey has been shaped by faith, resilience, and a commitment to education as a transformative force. Growing up in a close-knit community taught me the value of service, while being a first-generation college student instilled in me a deep empathy for students navigating systems that were not designed with them in mind. Professionally, I have served in multiple roles across higher education, leading student success initiatives, building innovative enrollment strategies, and creating pathways for historically marginalized students. Today, as Vice President of Enrollment Development and Educational Outreach, I lead with the conviction that access and belonging are not just institutional goals, but moral imperatives.
What pivotal experiences shaped your current path?
Several experiences have been formative. Leading TRIO and student success programs early in my career showed me the power of targeted, wraparound support in changing life trajectories. At Shippensburg University, I created the Center for Emerging Scholars and the Black Male Symposium, initiatives that underscored how equity-driven programs can shift retention and graduation outcomes. At Grand Valley State University, I have had the privilege of building large-scale initiatives like the HBCU/HSI Consortium, 8th Grade pathways, strategic partnerships that expand access, and expanded the Black Boys and Men Symposium into a national symposium and am close to launching it into a center. Each of these experiences reaffirmed for me that innovation in higher education must always be tethered to equity and student impact.
What are the most valuable lessons you've learned through your work?
I’ve learned that transformation in higher education requires both courage and collaboration. Courage to disrupt entrenched systems and challenge protectionism, and collaboration to bring diverse voices into decision-making. Another key lesson is that data alone does not move people—stories, lived experiences, and human connection must be woven into our strategies. Finally, I’ve learned that leadership is not about the individual leader, but about building ecosystems where others can thrive.
What drives your desire to contribute and make a difference?
My driving force is the belief that education is the great equalizer, yet only if we remove barriers that perpetuate inequity. I have seen what happens when students who never thought college was for them walk across a commencement stage. That moment is not just about their degree—it is about generational transformation. Knowing that my work can help make those moments possible fuels me every day.
What are your highest hopes for democracy to unite, uplift, and inspire?
My highest hope is that democracy lives up to its promise of inclusion, where all people—regardless of race, background, or circumstance—have a real seat at the table. For me, democracy must be about access: access to opportunity, access to voice, and access to a future that is equitable and just. If democracy can unite around shared humanity and collective progress, it has the power to not only inspire but to heal and sustain communities.
How can GlobalMindED support leaders like yourself in achieving your goals and advancing your aspirations?
GlobalMindED can play a critical role by connecting leaders who are committed to access and equity, amplifying innovative practices, and creating platforms where underrepresented voices are centered. For leaders like me, having a national and international network of peers who are pushing similar boundaries provides both encouragement and accountability. GlobalMindED can also support by facilitating partnerships between higher education, employers, and communities—helping us co-create pathways that lead students not just into college, but into meaningful careers and lives of impact.
Contact:
B. Donta Truss LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/b-donta-truss-58424450/
Grand Valley State University LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/school/grand-valley-state-university/posts/?feedView=all
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