Grand Valley State University forms partnership with Kalamazoo Valley College

Grand Valley State University and Kalamazoo Valley College have formed a partnership with the goal of helping more students earn four-year degrees. Grand Valley State University has been named as Kalamazoo Valley College’s transfer partner, meaning transfer pathways will be put into place in the areas of agriculture, education, and health. Additionally, the two institutions have partnered for workforce development opportunities and to deliver GVSU’s OMNI programming, which brings a GVSU education to students who aren’t near a campus.

According to an article on Grand Valley State University’s website, Philomena V. Mantella, the university’s president, was quoted as saying of the new partnership, "This agreement exemplifies how higher education institutions can collaborate to break down barriers and help more residents obtain bachelor's degrees in high-need industries. Michigan’s success is dependent on a workforce possessing the skills and critical thinking the knowledge economy demands and we’re pleased to partner with forward-thinking institutions like Kalamazoo Valley Community College to help build the talent pipeline.”

One initiative the two institutions are working on is ATAIN, or AI Transfer and Articulation Infrastructure Network. The initiative uses artificial intelligence to assist with the credit transfer process from one institution to another, with the goal of benefiting students by providing the maximum credit transfer possible.

OMNI, which is Grand Valley State University's virtual learning system that can be supplemented by visiting physical locations, will now also be offered by Kalamazoo Valley College. Other physical locations offering assistance, guidance, tutoring, and more include Allendale, Battle Creek, Detroit, Dowagiac, Grand Rapids, Jackson, and Traverse City, according to GVSU’s OMNI webpage.

L. Marshall Washington, the president of Kalamazoo Valley College, said, "This enhanced partnership with Grand Valley State University expands educational opportunities for our students by creating clearer transfer pathways between our institutions. The collaboration not only strengthens our academic offerings but also directly supports Michigan's workforce development needs in critical areas such as health care, education, sustainability, biomedical sciences and criminal justice. We're proud to formalize this Valley-to-Valley relationship that will empower more learners to achieve their educational and career aspirations right here in our greater West Michigan region."

For more information about Grand Valley State University, visit the school’s website.