Grand Valley State University has appointed a new administrator to oversee the university's Continuing Education Division, which includes programs at campuses in Grand Rapids and Holland, and other facilities around the state.
Patricia Lipetzky, who has been named Dean of Continuing Education, started her new position on July 17.
Lipetzky left her position as Dean of the School of Extended Learning at Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, a position she has held since 1998. From 1994 to 1998, she worked at St. Cloud State University in St. Cloud, Minnesota, as an Associate dean of the Center for Continuing Studies. Prior to that she worked for four years at Metropolitan State University, in St. Paul, Minnesota, as an Assistant Professor of Nursing and as Interim Director of Student Services. She earned her Ph.D. in Educational Policy and Administration from the University of Minnesota.
In addition to its campuses in Allendale, Grand Rapids, and Holland, GVSU operates regional centers in Muskegon, Petoskey, and Traverse City. Distance Education services, which include delivery systems such as two-way interactive television, satellite telecommunications systems, and computer communications, give students more flexibility by not having to travel to main university campuses to complete course requirements.
I'm quite intrigued with the growth and development in the west Michigan area, Lipetzky said. The projections show this is the place to be. Grand Valley's Continuing Education program has a good foundation, and I look forward to building on that foundation by developing more support services and an increased number of degree completion and graduate programs.
Grand Valley State University is well positioned to meet business and industry training needs both in Grand Rapids and western Michigan, she added. This participation in economic development of the area strengthens both the university and the region.
We believe that Pat is the right person to lead our Continuing Education Division, GVSU Provost Glenn Niemeyer said, especially with the opening of the DeVos Center in Grand Rapids approaching and with the growth in Grand Valley's programs in the regional centers.
The goal of the Division of Continuing Education is to extend learning opportunities in liberal arts and professional education to people throughout western Michigan. Providing the highest possible level of advising and student services, faculty and student support, and academic programming and delivery systems, it is dedicated to serving the needs of students at regional locations.
