Reach Higher Together: Moving from engaging to evaluating

June 2, 2025 (Volume 48, Number 18)

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As Reach Higher 2025 comes to a close, the campus community continues to celebrate accomplishments from the past five years while looking ahead to the future. Enter Reach Higher Together: the next phase of GVSU’s strategic plan that will guide the university’s direction through 2030.

Evolving the strategic plan takes everyone to ensure that GVSU continues to meet the changing needs of the entire Laker community. It’s been a collaborative process, engaging everyone — students, faculty, staff, alumni and community — and seeking out honest feedback that will inform decision making.

GVSU asked and you answered
Between March and May, the Reach Higher Collaborative Leadership Network engaged across the university with groups large and small, in person and virtually, asking thought-provoking questions about how GVSU can best navigate challenges and find opportunities to advance and enhance university commitments and prepare for the future.

Responses reflected the experiences and priorities from diverse constituencies across and beyond the university. Discussion topics ranged from digital direction and preparing students for AI, academic visioning and the value of a liberal arts education, the growing demand to meet evolving workforce and societal needs, and the importance of robust support systems for both students and alumni.

All of this engagement resulted in nearly 7,000 community members providing more than 30,000 comments — a resounding response to the university’s call for feedback.

“We want to thank everyone who took the time to share their thoughts about how we can build on our successes to build the Reach Higher Together strategic plan to meet our community’s needs in the years to come,” said President Philomena V. Mantella. "We remain committed to innovating to meet the challenges of the future while embracing new ways of turning what if into what is.”

Alyss Cardona-Alberto, rising senior, said participating in the RHCLN was an empowering experience. 

"It’s meaningful to know my voice as a student helps shape GVSU’s future," Cardona-Alberto said. "Collaborating with faculty and staff across campus has taught me that real change starts with listening and shared purpose.”

Moving to the evaluation phase
What will GVSU do with 30,000 comments?

“We’ll review them all and identify trends and themes,” noted Elizabeth Doyle, executive associate for Philanthropic Partnerships and Strategic Initiatives. 

“The RHCLN has a retreat in early June where we’ll dive into the insights to learn from them and make meaning of what we’ve heard. We’re grateful to our GVSU community and everyone who took the time to provide their thoughts and insights. We’re excited to see how everyone’s input will fuel the continuation of our Reach Higher strategy.”

Courtney Karasinski, chair of University Academic Senate and professor of communication sciences and disorders, called it a privilege to be a part of the RHCLN and to connect with diverse stakeholders.

“By creating space for inclusive, meaningful engagement — especially through future thinking exercises — we’ve endeavored to ensure that all voices are heard, valued and empowered to shape our shared future," Karasinski said. "This collaborative spirit is at the heart of Reach Higher Together, which positions Grand Valley to continue to adapt and excel in our ever-evolving world.”

The evaluation phase will run between June and July. Follow along at gvsu.edu/reachhighertogether.

 

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