President's corner

July 18, 2023 (Volume 46, Number 19)

President Mantella in center talks with Jackson College President Daniel Phelan, two vertical banners for GVSU and Jackson College are in the background

President Philomena V. Mantella, center, talks with Jackson College President Daniel Phelan following a signing agreement between the institutions. Jackson College Provost Jeremy Frew is at right.

Photo Credit: Lauren Seymour

President Philomena V. Mantella said a new agreement signed with Jackson College empowers students to continue their education without barriers.

Leaders from both institutions signed the agreement July 11. It includes a nursing pathway for Jackson College students to earn a bachelor's degree in nursing from GVSU, strengthening the talent pipeline in that field.

Funding for the nursing partnership comes from $56 million in state appropriations for community colleges to partner with four-year universities and design a bachelor's degree in nursing specific to that community.

The agreement also provides other Jackson College students with seamless pathways to complete their bachelor's degrees at GVSU and gives Grand Valley a physical office at Jackson College's main campus on Emmons Road.

"We are so pleased with this agreement that develops a deep partnership with Jackson College and the surrounding community," Mantella said. "Having a physical presence will allow us to collaborate on joint programming and community engagement. The nursing partnership builds health equity and educational equity in Jackson by meeting the needs of area residents."