GVSU, Spectrum Health create Executive MBA

Grand Valley State University is developing a unique educational opportunity that will help Spectrum Health better prepare its leaders as it plans for a future built around community, value, quality and sustainability.

The two organizations have come together to jointly create a Master of Business Administration (MBA) program designed specifically for Spectrum Health leaders, the Health Care Executive MBA. This represents a partnership between two major local institutions. Spectrum Health is a leader in health systems and Grand Valley State University’s Seidman College of Business excels in meeting the ongoing need for leadership development, consulting and cutting-edge education.

Since its establishment in 1997, Spectrum Health has grown into an integrated health system that serves communities throughout the state. Planning and preparing for strong leadership will help ensure continued high-quality care for patients and their families.

“Spectrum Health must explore and create opportunities that will provide a smooth leadership transition throughout this decade,” said Richard C. Breon, President & CEO, Spectrum Health. “We are very pleased that Grand Valley State University has been willing to develop an MBA program specifically designed for our integrated health system during a very challenging time in a changing industry.”

Participants in the 22-month EMBA program will be clinical and administrative employees within Spectrum Health.

To provide enhanced experiences for MBA and undergraduate students, Grand Valley opened the new L. William Seidman Center this summer to house the Seidman College on the university’s downtown Grand Rapids campus. This new health executive MBA program, in development with Spectrum Health, is a reflection of Grand Valley’s commitment to flexibility and responsiveness to community needs.

“Grand Valley State University applauds Spectrum Health’s recognition for ongoing learning and executive development,” President Thomas J. Haas said. “All sectors of the economy face fast-changing circumstances that require innovation. Grand Valley’s agility and commitment to quality are essential components of our key community partnerships. We embrace this opportunity that will enhance Spectrum Health, Grand Valley and ultimately the larger region both institutions serve.”

The Executive MBA curriculum development will be a collaborative process between Grand Valley faculty and Spectrum Health administrators. The curriculum will apply core MBA principles with relevant health care challenges that integrated health systems face. Classes will be conducted in a multifaceted approach with a combination of classroom, virtual and applied learning sessions. 

Breon said that Spectrum Health employees have many opportunities for professional advancement and growth, including the recently established Spectrum Health University. The university is led by a team of leaders, educators and human resource professionals dedicated to providing employees with real-world learning opportunities.

Grand Valley State University, one of the 100 largest universities in the nation, attracts more than 24,000 students with high-quality programs and state-of-the-art facilities. Grand Valley is a comprehensive university serving students from all 83 Michigan counties and dozens of other states and foreign countries. Grand Valley offers 82 undergraduate and 31 graduate degree programs from campuses in Allendale, Grand Rapids and Holland, and from regional centers in Muskegon and Traverse City. The university is dedicated to individual student achievement, going beyond the traditional classroom experience, with research opportunities and business partnerships.


Spectrum Health is a not-for-profit health system, based in West Michigan, offering a full continuum of care through the Spectrum Health Hospital Group, which is comprised of 11 hospitals including Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital; 173 ambulatory and service sites; 960 advanced practice providers and employed physicians including members of the Spectrum Health Medical Group and West Michigan Heart physician groups; and Priority Health, a health plan. Spectrum Health is West Michigan’s largest employer with 20,800 employees. The organization provided $250 million in community benefit during its 2013 fiscal year. spectrumhealth.org