Previous presidents influence, shape Grand Valley

Throughout President Philomena V. Mantella's inauguration week, University Communications will highlight events leading to the investiture ceremony on November 15 at 11 a.m. in the Fieldhouse.

Throughout its nearly 60-year history, four previous presidents have guided Grand Valley into a comprehensive university with more than 24,000 students. 

The university has been led by four presidents, starting with James H. Zumberge, who was appointed to the position in 1962. Zumberge was a professor of geology at the University of Michigan. Much of Zumberge's time that year was spent planning campus buildings and helping to recruit students who would start classes in 1963.

He led a fundraising initiative to establish scholarships and met with leaders of other state universities to ensure they would accept credits a student earned at Grand Valley prior to its accreditation. On September 26, 1963, Grand Valley opened its doors officially with 226 students.

Zumberge left Grand Valley in 1968 and was later named president of Southern Methodist University and the University of Southern California.

Arend D. Lubbers is Grand Valley's longest-serving president who began his tenure in 1969. One issue facing Grand Valley that year was whether to add specialized technical training to the curriculum. Lubbers addressed the issue in his inauguration address on October 12, 1969.

"Is this college to take up the sword for liberal arts while ignoring a society that demands from its schools the trained personnel to keep our economy alive? Or are we to man the barricades for technical training at the expense of educating the critical and historically conscious minds that a healthy democracy demands? I will endorse neither such approach. This college was built on a solid liberal arts basis and there it will stay."

Lubbers, now president emeritus, led Grand Valley's evolution from a small, liberal arts college to a regional university in the 32 years he served as the top administrator before retiring in 2001. Changes included establishing a campus in downtown Grand Rapids and regional centers in Holland, Traverse City and Muskegon; expanding graduate education and professional academic programs; and expanding Grand Valley's intercollegiate athletic program by adding a football team and other sports.

Mark A. Murray was named the third president and began his tenure in July 2001. Murray had served as treasurer for the state of Michigan and was vice president for finance and operations at Michigan State University.

Among Murray's first tasks were to work with the provost on an academic reorganization and university strategic plan. The new plan emphasized the core role of liberal education at Grand Valley, while acknowledging the university's mission also includes professional and graduate education.

Murray led a plan to further the university's brand, particularly in the metro Detroit area, and capitalize on partnerships with area hospitals and health care centers. The Cook-DeVos Center for Health Sciences opened on Grand Rapids' Medical Mile in 2003. Murray left Grand Valley in 2006 and now serves as vice chair of Meijer Inc.

Thomas J. Haas was appointed fourth president in July 2006. He had served as president of the State University of New York, Cobleskill. During his time at Grand Valley, the university saw a steady rise in enrollment to nearly 25,000 students, the addition of 34 majors and a dramatic increase in the number of graduates.

Under Haas' leadership, 2.3 million square feet in facilities were added. Projects included the construction of the Mary Idema Pew Library, Kindschi Hall of Science, expansion of the Health Campus, establishment of the Detroit Center and the renovation and expansion of the Haas Center for Performing Arts. The university emerged as a leader in sustainability with 24 LEED silver, gold or platinum buildings.

Haas retired in June as president emeritus and has plans to teach in Grand Valley's Chemistry Department.