A 1998 graduate of Grand Valley State University's Health Communications program, Manshum served on the inaugural Student-Faculty Advisory Committee during his senior year. Since graduation, he has served on the board of directors for Interchange: The Association for West Michigan Communication Professionals. Manshum just finished his term as board president. He is also a member of the West Michigan Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America and volunteers for Junior Achievement, teaching economics to middle school students.

"I knew when I started at Grand Valley that I wanted to be in communications," Manshum said. "I enjoy building personal relationships, always had the gift of gab and love to write. With the health care field changing so quickly, I knew there was never a greater need for communicators in the field. Im proud that this Grand Valley program is one of only a few like this offered in the country."

Manshum says he has used his education and experience to help Priority Health build community relationships through the "Connect!" series with Maranda on WOOD TV8, where he can be seen during newscasts emphasizing the importance of starting healthy lifestyles as children.

"One in every five children in the United States is overweight or obese," Manshum stated. Thats why I take pleasure in appearing in those TV vignettes. I hope the get children excited about being active and healthy. Exercising is more fun than playing video games!

Having lived in West Michigan since finishing his degree, Manshum is recently married and resides in Rockford.