A Vision for Growth, Responsibility, and Connection
Written by Shelby Harrison, College of Computing’s director of marketing and communications & Amy White, University Development’s director of donor communications
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is changing the world. At Grand Valley, two visionary community leaders are helping ensure that change benefits everyone.
Jim Brooks and Jim Hackett have both demonstrated a profound commitment to advancing AI accessibility, education, and economic growth through their generous contributions to Grand Valley. Their visionary support is instrumental in positioning the university as a hub for AI excellence, benefiting both the local community and the broader economy.
Jim Brooks, visionary supporter of AI innovation at Grand Valley.
Jim Brooks, visionary supporter of AI innovation at Grand Valley.
Brooks is a respected West Michigan business leader and philanthropist known for his strategic leadership and commitment to community-focused innovation. As the founder and former CEO of JRB Group, Brooks built a successful career helping organizations navigate complexity and align operations for greater impact. Alongside his wife, Donna, he has long supported initiatives that strengthen education, leadership, and regional growth.
At the heart of their investments lies a shared belief: AI must serve people first. For Brooks, that means equipping organizations with tools to navigate complexity and make smarter decisions. “Donna and I believe that AI holds extraordinary potential to make organizations more agile, responsive, and connected,” Brooks says. “Our investment in AI-driven software at Grand Valley is about empowering leaders to navigate complexity with greater clarity and speed. By supporting tools that enhance communication and streamline strategic planning, we’re helping large stakeholder groups work more efficiently – reducing barriers, cutting costs, and ultimately driving smarter outcomes. We see this as a way to make advanced technology more accessible and impactful across sectors that serve the public good while ensuring West Michigan remains at the forefront of technological advancement.”
Hackett is a renowned business leader and innovator, best known for serving as the president and CEO of Ford Motor Company. Prior to that, he led Steelcase, where he was recognized for revolutionizing workplace design and championing human-centered innovation. A University of Michigan alumnus and Grand Rapids native, Hackett has built his career at the intersection of design, leadership, and technology with a deep commitment to aligning innovation with human values.
For Hackett, the focus is on leadership and responsibility. “Artificial Intelligence is moving at a velocity that demands urgent and thoughtful leadership. I believe it’s our responsibility to bring the business community together to understand AI’s potential and its risks,” he says. “My investment in GVSU College of Computing’s executive AI program is about closing the competency and literacy gap that could leave people behind. Leaders must ensure technology aligns with human values. By supporting education that centers on responsible, ethical AI, we can guide innovation toward inclusive economic growth and enduring impact.”
Jim Hackett and President Philomena V. Mantella hold a thoughtful conversation on stage, highlighting the role of leadership in innovation and student success.
Jim Hackett and President Philomena V. Mantella hold a thoughtful conversation on stage, highlighting the role of leadership in innovation and student success.
Together, their visions connect around a common purpose: making advanced AI tools and knowledge accessible to those who need it most — across sectors, industries, and communities. Their gifts are not only enabling research and state-of-the-art programming on campus, but also creating dedicated spaces that inspire collaboration and lifelong learning. From professional certificates and executive training to ethical leadership and interdisciplinary exploration, Grand Valley is reshaping how students, professionals, and entire industries engage with AI.
Together, Brooks and Hackett are shaping a future where AI is not just a tool, but a force for good. Their investments are fueling hands-on research, ethical training programs, interdisciplinary learning, and vibrant spaces where collaboration thrives. They are not only preparing students, they’re equipping entire industries to lead with confidence and compassion.
Their legacies are etched into the foundation of GVSU and the College of Computing’s AI ecosystem. What began as personal conviction is now a shared movement — one that stretches from Grand Rapids into the heart of Michigan’s tech future and far beyond.
And for the next generation of learners, innovators, and changemakers, that legacy is just beginning.