President Mantella says universities need to evolve to meet needs

During a presentation about the future of education, President Philomena V. Mantella said it is critical to create ways to offer education options that are accessible and support learning at all stages of life.  

Mantella was the featured speaker for the Peter F. Secchia Breakfast Lecture September 12 at the L. William Seidman Center on Grand Valley's Pew Grand Rapids Campus.

"We expect students to come in at 18 years old and leave at 22 being set for a lifetime of change. That's not going to work in the future," she said. 

Mantella said Grand Valley will always invest in that coming-of-age experience, but will broaden the focus on adult learners who need to upskill to stay relevant and advance in their professional lives. 

"Adults are long on experience and short on time - the exact opposite of 18-year-olds," she explained. "Seventy-five percent of the higher education market is not 18-22. We need to stand by our alumni and other adults to offer elements of learning they will need over the course of their lifetime. It is our responsibility."

Mantella said higher education shouldn't be viewed as a supply chain that people come through, but rather an ecosystem that people can move in and out of as needed. 

In the face of change, Mantella said Grand Valley will hold on to its essence — the incredible student experience, value, and the deep commitment with the community. 

"It is important to look outside in — to look at what the market needs and how Grand Valley can serve that market," she said. "I'm going to push for more experiences, more co-ops, more internships, all of the things that help create agile learners." 

Mantella invited business leaders and philanthropists to meet with her to create new ways to work together to fill talent gaps and offer high-impact experiences for students.