Service has always been a part of Tucker McLane’s story – from a family legacy in firefighting to designing a wellness program for first responders in West Michigan. That passion followed him to Grand Valley, where an unexpected path revealed his calling in public health and family medicine. Today, he holds a bachelor’s degree in exercise science ’25 and is working toward his Master of Public Health, Class of 2026, with the goal of ultimately becoming a primary care physician.

“I looked into the Exercise Sciente Program and fell in love with it immediately,” McLane said. “Later in my bachelor’s program, I found out Grand Valley offers a combined track with a Master of Public Health, and that is when I decided to continue my education, here.” 

Continuing a Family Legacy

McLane’s master’s curriculum required an internship with an organization dedicated to serving the community. After weeks of struggling to find the right fit, an advisor connected him with the perfect opportunity. Inspired by the example of his dad, uncle, and grandpa – each a volunteer firefighter who instilled in him the value of service – McLane found a natural fit with the Plainfield Fire Department. There, he helped those who dedicate their lives to helping others by designing and implementing a fitness plan that focuses on the nutrition, sleep, and overall physical well-being of firefighters, a goal they had been working towards for years. 

“I came at the right time to use my expertise, and what I've just learned over the past four years in exercise science – as well as the past year in public health – to produce something for them,” he says.  

Learning to Lead

McLane’s experience in the fire department reinforced something deeper for him: service requires not only strength, but leadership. His commitment to growth led him to be selected for the Peter C. Cook Leadership Academy, a university program that develops strong future leaders through reflection, engagement, and mentorship from community members. As a participant, McLane discovered what it means to lead with purpose. “We learned about ethical leadership, communication, the values of a good leader, and emotional intelligence,” he explains.

As part of the academy experience, all students are paired with leaders from the community that act as mentors for the academic year. For McLane, that mentor was Dr. Larry Robson, a transplant vascular surgeon, whose own path to leadership offered valuable lessons. During their conversations, Robson encouraged McLane to study leadership from others. “What he’s emphasized is to take the good from everyone, learn from the bad, and implement that into yourself and formulate your own type of leadership,” McLane shares.  

Service in Action

Along with pursing a master’s degree and being in the Cook Leadership Academy, McLane is also a student at the fire academy, an assistant coach for the track team, an employee at the Kelly Family Sports Center, and a mentor for the Asian Student Union. “All of the things that I do serve others to some degree,” he explains. “I really am passionate about helping people. I want to serve underprivileged communities and anyone that needs help. I use every lesson I learn in all my different experiences as a step that brings me closer to my dream of becoming a family doctor.”  

In part, McLane credits donors with making it possible for him to deepen his passion for serving others and grow as a leader. That generosity creates a chance for students like McLane to lead with purpose and inspires them to embrace every opportunity they have to grow as leaders. “You're providing opportunities like the Cook Leadership Academy for individuals like me,” he states. “If something's in front of me, I want to do as much as I can to fulfill that opportunity.” 

With every step – from the firehouse to the classroom – McLane is preparing for a career rooted in service. And thanks to donor support, that preparation is already making a difference in West Michigan. 

More Student Stories

Back to Giving Home