President Mantella introduces strategy for the future of GVSU

Grand Valley State University President Philomena V. Mantella identified an engagement strategy designed to set the course for the future of Grand Valley.

Mantella outlined the Reach Higher Together plan during the November 1 Board of Trustees meeting held at the Cook-DeVos Center for Health Sciences (CHS) on the Health Campus in downtown Grand Rapids.

Mantella reported hundreds of people took part in "Grand Huddles" held across campus since September to share their ideas for the future. She said more than 1,200 comments were received from an online survey and another 1,000 comments came from notes and text comments. The Huddles are currently scheduled through the beginning of next year.

"It has been incredibly gratifying to see the engagement of our campus community and the willingness to work together in new ways to create our Grand Future," Mantella said. 

The Reach Higher Together imperatives Mantella shared with the board are:

• Expand high-impact learning opportunities;

• Increase the ability to meet the needs of diverse learners;

• Provide quality, flexibility and efficient ways to serve students throughout their lifetime;

• Experiment and create new partnerships and funding avenues that shape the best educational experience for a diverse group of learners;

• Build upon Grand Valley's history and reputation for offering a high-touch approach with high-tech opportunities to widen access to programs and faculty.

Mantella invited faculty and staff members to give updates on activities currently underway.

Jonathan Engelsma, professor of computer and information systems, said five new micro-credentials in computer-related fields are being developed and joint degree programs are being explored.

Aaron Lowen, professor of economics, Finance Department chair and director of the School of Accounting, facilitated five Grand Huddles. Lowen said discussion centered on the need to build a more diverse faculty and student body, connecting students to resources and mentors, and making curriculum relevant and flexible.

Felix Ngassa, professor of chemistry and chair of the University Academic Senate, said the expansion of the president's cabinet to include faculty leaders is building trust, empowering faculty and bolstering shared governance at the university.

In other board action:

• The board approved the expansion and remodeling of the Simulation Center in the Cook-DeVos Center for Health Sciences. The $5.5 million renovation project will accommodate increased pressure on programs requiring simulation for skill development. The project will be completed in August 2021.

• The board also approved a resolution for appointment or reappointment of charter school board members to GVSU-authorized public school academy boards. 

• The board approved a policy change for public comments to the board. Requests to address the board can be made up to 48 hours before a meeting and can be submitted online or by contacting the secretary to the board.

• Matt McLogan, vice president for University Relations, was named permanent secretary to the Board of Trustees.

After the meeting, members of the Board of Trustees and Senior Leadership Team took a hard-hat tour of the Daniel and Pamella DeVos Center for Interprofessional Health that is currently under construction next to CHS. 

The new center will be the third and flagship building on Grand Valley's Health Campus with 15 classrooms and 14 interactive laboratories. The five-story, 160,000-square-foot center will allow Grand Valley to significantly expand and update its simulation center and the space available for collaborative work; it will also house the Kirkhof College of Nursing.