Four questions about GVSU’s Economic Impact

January 13, 2026 (Volume 49, Number 9)

Paul Isely addresses the audience at the Economic Impact news conference. University banners behind him.

Paul Isely, associate dean and professor of economics, discusses the university's economic impact report during a news conference in early October at the L. William Seidman Center.

Photo Credit: Kendra Stanley-Mills

Grand Valley’s latest economic impact report reveals a powerful story: Nearly 100,000 alumni live and work in Michigan, fueling one in 20 college-educated jobs statewide. Ranked No. 1 in Michigan for talent retention and in the top 1% nationally, GVSU returns $31 for every $1 taxpayers invest.

Paul Isely, associate dean and professor of economics, and Dawne Bell, executive director of Economic Development and Public-Private Partnerships, discuss why economic impact matters and what’s next.

What sparked the idea for the report and why now?
Isely: The state invests in GVSU, and it’s important to show the value that investment creates for taxpayers. Our impact is significant compared to many other ways the state could spend money.
Bell: This is GVSU’s first economic impact study in over 10 years. It shows what faculty and staff make possible every day: a student experience that drives talent retention for our state, strengthens communities and generates exceptional return on investment.

What’s one part of this project that you brag about at a dinner party?
Isely: The impact of our alumni was larger than I expected. Nearly 100,000 graduates live and work in Michigan, powering one in 20 college-educated jobs statewide. That shows two things: GVSU enhances the state through engaged citizens, and students get real value for every dollar they invest.

Bell: I brag about Paul.

Isely: Aw, thanks.

Bell: When I talk about the powerful data from this report with leaders outside the university, I consistently hear their surprise. GVSU’s role as an economic driver for Michigan is not yet widely known. We’re thankful to everyone across GVSU for helping to amplify GVSU’s impact.

What do you hope faculty and staff take away from this report?
Isely: I hope they take away that they have created a student experience that benefits graduates financially and helps the state grow.
Bell: You don’t have to be an economist to share this story. Every program, every partnership contributes to these outcomes.

What’s next for this work?
Isely: Taking this deeper and mapping where benefits occur and connecting them to specific GVSU activities.
Bell: Continuing to tell the story. This report is a starting point for conversations with policymakers, community and business leaders, and supporters about impact, innovation and opportunity.