The presidents of two state universities signed an agreement to collaborate on future research and academic projects that will enhance the state of health care in West Michigan.
Thomas J. Haas, president of Grand Valley State University, and Lou Anna Simon, president of Michigan State University, signed the agreement January 23 during a brief ceremony at Grand Valley's Cook-DeVos Center for Health Sciences, on Michigan Street in Grand Rapids.
The agreement concludes a series of partnerships MSU has formed with Grand Rapids institutions. In February 2005, several organizations and institutions committed resources and expertise to support MSU's expansion of its College of Human Medicine to Grand Rapids. The stakeholders are GVSU, MSU, Grand Action, Spectrum Health Systems, St. Mary's Health Care, The Right Place Inc., and Van Andel Research Institute.
Haas said he welcomes MSU as one of the "Health Hill" (Michigan Street area) partners that are helping to revitalize the area's economy and make Grand Rapids a health care destination.
"Grand Valley's mission is to be the premier provider for health education in West Michigan and Michigan State is striving to be the premier provider for medical education," Haas said. "Therefore, we will complement each other. I see collaborations with research, faculty and programs.
"As two public higher education institutions seek ways to collaborate, by sharing resources and talents, it will benefit the citizens of Michigan, especially as we seek ways to revitalize the economy."
Simon said announcing the partnership with Grand Valley was an important step in gathering West Michigan's resources.
"We are so pleased that Grand Valley State University, with its excellent health science programs, including nursing, physical and occupational therapy, and physician assistant studies, has solidified its partnership with us and the other partners involved in this project," she said. "Grand Valley brings a unique and valuable aspect to this endeavor. We welcome them and look forward to many years of working together as we provide exceptional health education and health care for the people of Michigan."
