History of Computing

Students working together on a hands-on computing project in a lab setting, with a caption describing Grand Valley State University's School of Computing offering knowledge and real-world experience to undergraduates in a tech-driven world, fostering innovation, creativity, and leadership.

Grand Valley State University has taken a transformative leap in tech education with the launch of its new College of Computing. Emerging from a restructuring of the Padnos College of Engineering and Computing, the College of Computing aims to meet the rapidly growing demands of the digital age. Under the leadership of Dean Marouane Kessentini, it offers dynamic programs in fields like cybersecurity, data science, and health informatics, supporting hands-on learning and industry partnerships. The new college is set to cultivate the next generation of tech innovators.

To achieve this, the College of Computing has devised a strategic plan with three focus areas;

Enhancing Student Success from Enrollment to Employment and Beyond
Inspire Relevant Research, Impactful Innovation, and Mutually Beneficial Partnerships with the Community
Accelerate and Expand the Success of Faculty and Staff.

As part of PCEC, the College of Computing shared a strong foundation rooted in offering professional, practice-oriented programs. These programs emphasized integrated experiential learning through internships, graduate practicums, project-based learning, and ABET accreditation. The applied R&D centers within College of Computing were designed to leverage close partnerships with community stakeholders, providing essential support to local companies while offering students valuable experiential learning opportunities, financial support, and professional development for faculty.

Shortly after its founding, the new college of 47 permanent full time faculty in 2004-2005 began growing. After a decade, the college had 69 faculty in 2014-2015. Additional lines in response to enrollments led to 95 faculty for the 2022-2023 academic year. Currently the College of Computing has 54 faculty and is adding 8 open rank positions for the 2025-2026 academic year. The timeline for major developmental elements of PCEC and the College of Computing, our programs, and units include:

Our History Through the Years

Prior to 1988 Science and Mathematics Division included:

Mathematics and Computer Science Department

1983 : Computer Science Major introduced

Systems Analysis emphasis

Information Systems emphasis

1984 : Computer Science Major adds Secondary or K-12 Certification

1988 : MS in Computer Information Systems introduced

1992 : Computer Science & Information Systems Department is established and separated from the Mathematics Department

Bruce Klein is named Chair

Upsilon Pi Epsilon chapter established

1998  :  Mandatory Internship added to computing majors

1999  :  Introduction of BSE Computer Emphasis (accredited 2010)

2001  :  Paul Leidig is named Chair of Computer Science and Information Systems

2003  :  Academic and Student Affairs Division undergoes reorganization process

Computing student with attempting to work at computer in 1975.

Placard images of College of Engineering Dean and Faculty

2004:    Seymour and Esther Padnos College of Engineering and Computing is established and Paul Plotkowski is named Dean.

Academic units: School of Computing & School of Engineering

Programs

3 undergraduate majors (CS, EGR, IS) serving 1,107 declared majors, 120 degrees granted.

2 grad degrees (CIS, EGR) serving 137 declared students, 43 degrees granted. 
Articulated BSE/MSE program introduced (later renamed combined degree program)

2006  :  MS in Health Informatics & Bioinformatics introduced (under original title: Medical & Bioinformatics)

2009   : ABET Accreditation of BS (and BA) in Computer Science (BA later discontinued)

ABET Accreditation of BS (and BA) in Information Systems (BA later discontinued)

2013 : PSM Program organization moved from CLAS to PCEC

2014 :  Industry Sponsored Graduate Fellow Program established

School of CIS first named #1 Best College for the Money in the US by College Factual (also ranked #1 the following 2 years)

2017  :  Data Science MS introduced

2018 :   

Information Technology Major Introduced

Applied Computing Institute (ACI) established

2019:

BS in Cybersecurity Introduced

MS in Cybersecurity Introduced
GVSU became MI coordinator for Code.org

Student in Allendale library with computer and clock tower in background

Blue computer with words Grand Valley State University Applied Computing Institute

2021   : GVSU – HBCU / HSI Consortium launched

2022:  11 undergraduate majors in PCEC (CS, Cyb, IS, IT, Bio-EGR, CE, EE, IntEGR, ME, OSH, Prod Design & Mfg. EGR) serving 1,831 declared majors, 288 degrees granted. 

5 graduate degrees (ACS, Cyb, DSA, HIB, EGR) serving 376 declared students, 106 degrees granted.

Several minor programs and a wide variety of digital badge programs.

2023: BAS Degrees launched - Technology Project Management & Web Design & Development

Institute for Cybersecurity Education and Research (ICER) launched.

2024: Padnos College of Engineering and College of Computing undergo an academic reorganization. The new College of Computing is created composed of the Professional Science Master’s program, 5 undergraduate degrees, 4 graduate degrees, and multiple certificates and digital badges.

Marouane Kessentini was named Dean of the College of Computing. Dean Kessentini is one of the youngest Deans in the nation.
5 Undergraduate Programs - Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Data Science and Analytics, Information Systems, Information Technology
4 Graduate programs - Applied Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Data Science and Analytics, & Health Informatics and Bioinformatics.
8 Combined B.S./M.S. programs.
College of Computing in Fall 2024 semester has 922 undergraduate students, 355 graduate students, and is 23% of the student population identifies as female.

Photo of Dean Kessentini infront of GVSU podium at the Blue Dot

Page last modified November 11, 2024

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