Welcome to the School of Community Leadership and Development (SCLD)
We prepare our students for lives of active citizenship so they can contribute to their local, regional, national, and global communities. We ensure they obtain professional careers in their interest areas such as government, nonprofit and health care organizations.
This program is your primary source for community and public service education! We provide an innovative and professional curriculum with dedicated and inspired teaching, scholarship, and service to the community. We are committed to developing ethical judgment and critical thinking in our students so they can lead as effective managers and community innovators.
Our faculty members are engaged in the community and work in the world they teach. These professors encourage a collaborative culture, working together to meet the needs of their students.
Caylie Peet talks about her GVSU experience.
Undergraduate Programs
“The MPA program at GVSU offers a great blend of academic and practical experience that helps us to be better leaders. The lessons learned not only helped me get a job as a city manager but also are the lessons I see myself using daily for the next 40 years of my career. This is one of the reasons why GVSU's MPA program is considered by many to be the best in the state.”
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Katie Beemer, MPA '21, City Administrator, Fennville, MI
About the College of Education and Community Innovation
The College of Education and Community Innovation (CECI) creates a dynamic learning environment for our students and empowers our community partners with quality research and data. Our accomplished faculty offers a wide range of expertise, including K-12 education, post-secondary education, health administration, hospitality and tourism management, human welfare, nonprofit management, public service, philanthropy, and social justice. Learn more about CECI at GVSU.