Dr. Nancy K. Mack

Dr. Nancy K. Mack has devoted her career and philanthropy efforts to her passion for education. As a Grand Valley faculty member, Dr. Mack has enriched the academic lives of hundreds of college students. She doesn’t just teach students to be good educators, she also teaches mathematics in local K-12 classrooms, where she researches children’s thinking about mathematics and teaching methods in elementary schools.

Before coming to Grand Valley State University in 2001, Dr. Mack taught mathematics education courses at three other universities, but found Grand Valley to be unique.

“Grand Valley respects their faculty and treats them well compared to what I’ve previously experienced at other universities. I have always felt supported as an educator – both in my personal and professional goals. Grand Valley’s treatment towards their faculty inspired me to give back. Grand Valley has always helped me reach my own professional goals and I wanted to help the university meet their goals and mission in return.”

In addition to Dr. Mack benefiting students in the classroom, she is also leaving a philanthropic legacy that will help students well into the future. Dr. Mack designated Grand Valley in her estate plan because she wanted to do something that would have a long term effect well after she’s gone from Grand Valley.

“As a faculty member, I see how students in my classes struggle with the cost of books and materials. When students can’t afford these important items, they miss out on benefiting from the true educational and learning experience of the class.”

Dr. Mack also created the Dr. Nancy K. Mack Scholarship Fund that provides financial assistance to undergraduate students who are seeking a second bachelor’s degree or a non-traditional student who is pursuing a career in elementary education.

“If my scholarship and planned gift can help at least one student a semester, then they wouldn’t have to work so hard to pay their college expenses. Easing their financial worries allows students to devote more time to their studies and studying the process of learning at Grand Valley.”