Consortium marks milestone: agreements with 10 partners

Margo Abrams, a junior at Wilberforce University, is thinking about her post-graduation plans. That's what drew Abrams and 40 other students from nine Historically Black Colleges and Universities to participate in a three-day tour of Grand Valley's campuses.

Abrams liked what she saw. More importantly, she liked what she learned about Grand Valley's graduate programs.

"I enjoyed meeting the people here," said Abrams, a computer science major. "I got the impression they care for the students. It's why I went to an HBCU, to get that care and support."

Their whirlwind visit included a sightseeing tour of Grand Rapids, dinner with industry leaders, tour of Steelcase Inc., and meetings with student leaders, graduate program directors and student services staff. It was capped by a ceremony welcoming the ninth and 10th partners into the HBCU/HSI Consortium : Wilberforce University, in Wilberforce, Ohio, and Voorhees University, in Denmark, South Carolina.

B. Donta Truss, vice president for Enrollment Development and Educational Outreach, said the consortium will welcome its fourth cohort of students next fall semester.

"This is a significant step forward for Grand Valley to expand access to advanced degrees for students from Voorhees and Wilberforce universities," Truss said. "This is about collaboration, not competition. We want these students to graduate from these great HBCUs and then come and be part of our Grand Valley family."

Acting Provost Jennifer Drake said the agreement with Wilberforce provides opportunities for students to earn master's degrees in computer science, data analytics, cybersecurity, computer engineering and electrical engineering. She said Voorhees students can build on their strong foundation in liberal education and pursue master's degrees in cell and molecular biology, biomedical science, computer science, data analytics, cybersecurity, and communications.

Vann R. Newkirk, president of Wilberforce University, said the agreement provides an exceptional opportunity for students from the Ohio institution. 

"By partnering with GVSU, we are creating a constructive collaboration that will benefit students from both institutions, offering them expanded educational options and support," Newkirk said. "This collaboration exemplifies our dedication to fostering academic excellence and student success.”

Abrams said she appreciated learning that support for HBCU/HSI Consortium students extends beyond Grand Valley and reaches partners such as companies that participate in the Industry Sponsored Graduate Fellowships (IGF). Through this university program, participating companies sponsor a student by providing a paid internship and covering the cost of tuition.

"It was impressive to learn about the IGFs and to know that they see us and want us to come here," she said.