Message from the Dean
Message from the Dean
Welcome to the Seidman College of Business at Grand Valley State University.
During my tenure as Seidman’s dean, I’ve seen how business education must continually evolve to prepare learners not just for today’s challenges, but for opportunities and demands that may be ten or more years out. At Seidman, we remain firmly focused on that future.
What makes Seidman distinctive is the synergy among our committed faculty and staff, our engaged and curious students, and our strong partnerships with alumni, business leaders, and community organizations. Together, we focus on advancing a curriculum that is responsive, innovative, and deeply rooted in real-world relevance.
Our academic programs are grounded in three pillars: Learn (Know), Practice (Do), and Grow (Be). These pillars reflect our belief that knowledge is only the beginning. Students must also be able to apply that knowledge in the workplace and develop the human skills employers now identify as essential: communication, adaptability, critical thinking, ethical judgment, and collaboration – as they become business professionals.
Experiential learning is built into the fabric of Seidman. We’ve created a state-of-the-art Experiential Learning and Sales Lab, where students engage in real-world scenarios such as negotiations, and have the opportunity to review and reflect on their performance. We also leverage XR/VR and other technologies to simulate business environments — from job interviews to challenging managerial conversations — providing safe yet immersive spaces to practice and grow.
We prioritize student success. For example, Business 101 helps first-year students explore career paths, understand team dynamics, and track progress toward graduation. Co-curricular activities such as student organizations, competitions, and field trips reinforce classroom learning and foster collaboration.
Our faculty are the foundation of Seidman’s excellence. They choose to be here because of their dual passion for teaching and scholarship. Their research contributes to their disciplines and enhances the classroom experience — keeping content current, engaging students in inquiry, and ensuring that our graduates are well-prepared for a rapidly evolving business landscape.
At the graduate level, our programs offer a balance of functional knowledge and leadership development, drawing from both expert faculty and students’ own professional experiences to apply theory in meaningful ways.
Seidman graduates are in demand — not only because of what they know, but because of how they think, how they lead, and how they collaborate. I invite you to explore our community and discover how Seidman can support your goals, your growth, and your future.
Warm regards,
Diana Lawson, Ph.D.
Dean, Seidman College of Business
Grand Valley State University
Dean Lawson wants to hear your comments and questions. Please fill out the form by clicking on the button below. Be sure to include your email address if you would like a response.
