From the start, the foundation of the College of Computing was not to replicate traditional models. Rather, the College of Computing is built as an agile, interdisciplinary hub — one focused on real-world impact, human-centered computing, and inclusive excellence. The goal is clear: design a structure that breaks down silos and invites participation from all parts of the university.

This vision is grounded in the reality that AI, data analytics, virtual reality, and cybersecurity are no longer niche areas but essential to every discipline — from business and education to healthcare and public service. As technology reshapes every corner of society, higher education must adapt by rethinking how students are taught, how faculty and industry collaborate in both training and applied research, and how graduates are prepared to lead in a world defined by responsible and impactful technology.

One example of this interdisciplinary vision in action took place on Friday, September 12, 2025, when the College of Computing and the Department of Modern Languages and Literatures (MLL) hosted a dynamic mixer at iHouse (International House) on the Valley campus in Allendale. Nearly 60 students, faculty, and staff gathered to explore how pairing computer science with global languages and cultures can open doors to new ideas, research, and career pathways.
This event represented more than a single evening of conversation. It was the first step in a broader effort to expand CS + X opportunities, where computing is paired with other GVSU disciplines to prepare students for the future of work. By blending the technical with the human, GVSU is building a model that ensures students can lead in fields where computing intersects with health, business, education, and beyond.

“Initiatives like CS + MLL showcase our belief that computing cannot exist in isolation,” said Dean Marouane Kessentini. “Our goal is not only to teach students how to code but to prepare them to shape the future of technology in ways that respect people, cultures, and industries. We are creating an ecosystem at GVSU where computing converges with every discipline because the jobs of tomorrow will demand that integration.”

The energy in the room reflected this vision. Students and faculty shared how global awareness can enhance cybersecurity, human-centered design, and AI ethics. The conversations pointed to what makes GVSU’s approach distinct: an agile, interdisciplinary model designed to keep pace with societal needs and technological change.

“We’re excited to see so much enthusiasm for the CS + MLL initiative,” said Dr. Samah Mansour, who is supporting the effort to create a joint program at GVSU. “Blending technical skills with cultural and linguistic knowledge helps our students think globally and build technology that respects and reflects diverse communities.”

“This event highlights the power of connecting language and culture with technology,” said Dr. Janel Pettes Guikema, professor and program coordinator of French. “For our students, it demonstrates that global awareness is not separate from computing but essential to building technology that serves diverse communities and creates meaningful impact.”

“I really enjoyed connecting with students across different disciplines, practicing conversational French while also talking about how technology and language intersect,” said Esther Djan. “This gave me a new perspective and reminded me of how important it is to build friendships and collaborate beyond our fields.”

Looking ahead, the College of Computing plans to host similar mixers with disciplines across the university including business, health professions, and nursing to further expand the CS + X model. Each event will create new opportunities for students to envision how computing can strengthen their chosen field, while also sparking innovative research collaborations between faculty.

This momentum is part of a much larger effort to build the future of work, powered by computing, right here in West Michigan. Through the CS + X movement, the College of Computing is ensuring that every GVSU student, no matter their major, has the opportunity to harness computing as a tool for impact.

The aim is to build a culture of two-way collaboration, where computing connects with every college to integrate AI, cybersecurity, and related areas into relevant majors while also building new research partnerships. Whether it’s nursing faculty applying machine learning to patient safety, business professors embedding AI into operations and analytics, or education scholars designing intelligent tutoring systems — GVSU’s new structure enables true interdisciplinary innovation.