Question 1: What will higher education be like post-pandemic?

These unusual times bring both opportunity and challenge for higher education. Before the COVID-19 virus started, we were already on a transformational trajectory. Changing demographics and technology were driving innovation and change at all levels in our educational system. The pandemic has accelerated our need for change, not the direction we were headed.

I believe you will see reduced but continued student demand for place-based learning and an experience of campus life, especially for traditional undergraduate students. While safety precautions will remain in place, universities and colleges are adapting and we will find a way to provide an optimal educational environment for all.

Having said that, I also believe that the instant rise of online learning is here to stay and will continue to evolve and improve over time. Faculty are embracing technology in new ways every day which will further enhance how students learn remotely. By providing students online, in-seat, and hybrid (both in-seat and online) options, as we are this Fall, we can allow students to tailor their programs to meet their educational needs.

Higher education will represent part of a continuum of learning that begins with pre-school and continues throughout a lifetime. As such, we will work more closely with educators at all levels to do our part in a changing world and to serve our employers by keeping our programs relevant and our graduates job-ready with in-demand skills.

All of this change is built on the fundamental understanding that higher learning is critically important and it is our job to keep students on their learning journey, whenever they seek additional education in their lifetimes. That is what you are supporting with your gifts, and it is a noble mission.

Question 2: How has the pandemic affected the vision and priorities for the university?

The pandemic has not changed our vision and priorities, but it has certainly focused and accelerated them.  We are embracing change in higher education and, in many cases, leading the way for other universities and colleges.  We are prioritizing programs like the Laker Lifetime Learning commitment (L3) which provides resources for alumni in their careers and future learning; and talent epicenters which provide unique partnerships with employers and community leaders. Our learning options at all levels are expanding, even as we create new options for our existing students in their return to campus.

While we move forward toward a changing future, we remain student-centered and teaching focused which has given Grand Valley a strong foundation of excellence.  With donor support we also enjoy a strong financial foundation, and we are ready for a multitude of contingencies that we may face post-pandemic. We remain committed to our Grand Valley community and to West Michigan. Relationships are Grand Valley’s superpower, and we don’t take that for granted.

Question 3: Where do you need donor help?

The essence of our vision is to impact lives. The funds we can award right now are literally helping students overcome barriers. Since the start of the pandemic we have been able to respond to 8,000 requests for help from our students. And the need continues. That’s why our top priority this year is to grow scholarships and our Student Support Fund which specifically helps students in times of emergency. Funds for programs that support students academically are also a priority. We’d like to grow funding for tutoring, mentoring, experiential learning, and leadership opportunities which help students stay and complete their education successfully. We are also excited about the opportunity to fund innovative ideas that will fuel our growth strategy in the years ahead. We are focused on providing knowledge and skills for the 21^st century that are accessible by all learners; offered in full or in micro-offerings when they are most needed; and that help move employers forward in this digital age.

Another way donors can help is by partnering with us for internship and co-op experiences, as well as talent development needs. Grand Valley continues to value and learn from our partnerships with you and our graduates are better for it.

As I begin the second year of my presidency, I am even more convinced that Grand Valley has what it takes and what the state needs most right now.  Whatever the future holds, we are in this together and we are so grateful that you are part of the Grand Valley family. Thank you for joining me in our quest to shape students' lives, their professions, and their societies. It’s never been more important.

Find more information about the Fall semester and Lakers Together here. 

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