The life of the mind, social and emotional development is what universities cultivate day in and day out to enrich one’s life journey of relationships, work, community and self discovery. Lately, I have been giving deep thought to the noble mission of education and the role of supporting individual growth and expanding a community’s opportunity for prosperity. Growth of self, growth of communities, and the opportunity for prosperity are all inextricably bound. So, it was my great pleasure to host Quentin Messer Jr., chief executive officer of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, for a Fireside Chat and have him address not only the “life of the mind,” but how it is an imperative that education and economic development go hand-in-hand. Quentin and I are kindred spirits in spreading this message. He said he recognizes the role Grand Valley State University, in particular, plays in the state. He told the audience, “There is so much that Grand Valley does, whether in K-12, with young graduates, the general community or with adult learners, but not everyone knows that unless they’re part of the ethos. The MEDC has to be part of amplifying that story.” Messer went on to get right to the heart of the matter: every business is talking about talent. And I am here to confirm that GVSU is educating citizens with broad and enduring skills as well as those in high demand today. We are a community committed to learning, applied research and inclusive opportunity for the students we serve and in the communities we reside. This is the definition of a talent creator.
In April, the university announced a major, innovative program with the state’s largest employer, the newly formed BHSH System, the merger of Beaumont Health and Spectrum Health. The new partnership between GVSU and BHSH, the Spectrum Health West Michigan Nurse Scholar program, will create the opportunity for 500 additional students in the Kirkhof College of Nursing to pursue the profession, with committed employment at Spectrum Health.
The health system is investing $19 million dollarsin the program, with GVSU committing to ongoing support with infrastructure and financial aid. This is a model for the nation and the first of many more creative partnerships for Grand Valley.
We are finding new ways and new approaches but to realize the opportunity to connect the life of the mind and the economic health of a region, requires increased investment in higher education. As I wrote in a column recently published in Bridge Michigan, the state has invested 30 percent less in its universities, per student, than other nearby Great Lakes states during the last 20 years. This hurts us in the competition for talent, jobs and economic growth. And so, it follows that Michigan is also behind in college graduates. The need is evident. U.S. Census Bureau statistics show only 28 percent of Michiganders over the age of 25 hold even a bachelor’s degree, while the national average is 34 percent. Like CEO Messer suggested, we are the institution that understands this intersection.
