GVSU, other partners celebrate move to new location for classes in Traverse City

Grand Valley students who are enrolled in degree programs in Traverse City are now in a new location that offers a more vibrant campus experience, close access to resources and connections.

GVSU is among five universities that offer classes in partnership with Northwestern Michigan College. All five had operated from NMC's University Center, near Boardman Lake in Traverse City. The partners celebrated their new location in the Beckett Building on NMC's Front Street Campus on September 23.

NMC President Nick Nissley said the building may have changed, but the opportunity for students remains in Traverse City. “We’re evolving from a physical hub to a more integrated partnership model, one that reflects how students learn today,” Nissley said. “Students increasingly seek flexibility: hybrid options, online support and services across multiple locations, not just in a single building.”

NMC's University Center opened in 1995. Since then, more than 10,000 Northern Michigan students have earned degrees from one of the five institutions: GVSU, Central Michigan, Davenport University, Ferris State and Michigan State’s Institute of Agricultural Technology. Of those 10,000 people, nearly 3,000 have earned Grand Valley degrees.

Kara Van Dam, vice president and chief executive of GVSU Omni, said the move to the Front Street Campus will help strengthen the relationship between Grand Valley and NMC, adding students will benefit by being closer to shared institutional resources. 

"The Beckett Building features updated classrooms with state-of-the-art technology, computer labs and collaborative spaces," Van Dam said. "We value our partnership with Northwestern Michigan College that has allowed us to help learners advance in their careers, earn degrees and stay in this area to contribute to the workforce."

Shannon Owen, director of the Northern Michigan region, said Grand Valley was the university partner that piloted the Direct Connect program with NMC last year. The program is designed to make transfer to Grand Valley seamless, allowing students to begin work on a bachelor’s degree in allied health sciences while completing their associate degree at NMC, and then finish their junior and senior years in Traverse City through Grand Valley. 

Owen added that being in this location naturally provides more space for collaboration and innovation, strengthening opportunities for students and the broader community. Those opportunities include GVSU's robust online program and more than 125 students currently enrolled in degree programs.

Kristen LaPan was a student at NMC before the Direct Connect program existed, but said her transition to GVSU was seamless. LaPan, who earned a bachelor's degree in allied health sciences, is now halfway through a master's degree program in physician assistant studies. 

"My advisor at NMC knew exactly what type of classes I needed for a PAS degree," she said.

A native of Traverse City, LaPan said the move closer to downtown has been exciting for her and her classmates. And now, there are a lot more classmates around.

"We're a class of 12 PA students. They were the only students I ever interacted with," LaPan said. "Now, I see everyone on campus. I'm enjoying the cafeteria. We are so busy with our classes that we used to eat a lot of junk food. Now, we're surrounded by lots of healthier options."