Central Michigan University College of Medicine receives $80 million for “Advancing Health Together” initiative

Central Michigan University’s College of Medicine has received two $40 million gifts from Covenant HealthCare and MyMichigan Health in support of the university’s “Advancing Health Together” initiative. The gifts will support the development of a new medical education building in Saginaw, Michigan, which will be named the CMU MyMichigan Health Medical Education Building. The university’s College of Medicine will also now bear the name the Covenant HealthCare College of Medicine at Central Michigan University.

According to an article on Central Michigan University’s website, Lydia Watson, M.D., who serves as the president and CEO of MyMichigan Health, was quoted as saying of the organization’s gift and the continued partnership with the university, "We are proud to be part of the Advancing Health Together initiative with Central Michigan University and Covenant HealthCare. It is one to which we are most proud as it allows our three organizations the honor to advance the future of medical education, and it will happen right here in the Great Lakes Bay Region. The collaboration will have a great impact on our communities, our region and our state now and long into the future. Since 2010, our partnership with CMU's College of Medicine has been pivotal in training future health care professionals. These students are not only equipped to deliver exceptional care but are also encouraged to serve in Michigan's most medically underserved areas, including our rural communities. This next chapter will not only help grow the volume of health care providers but also continue to pave the way for a future where health care is more accessible, equitable, and effective for all."

Beth Charlton, the president and CEO of Covenant HealthCare, echoed these sentiments, saying, “As part of our decades-long commitment to medical education, Covenant HealthCare is proud to support the CMU College of Medicine and strengthen the training opportunities that shape the future of care in our region. Meeting our mission of extraordinary care for every generation starts with supporting education and training for the next generation of extraordinary physicians. Assurance of a strong medical talent pipeline is foundational and requires both collaboration and resources. Individuals and families across the Great Lakes Bay Region are experiencing an increasingly critical need for well-educated medical professionals, and our mutual investment with CMU and MyMichigan Health reflects our collective belief in this partnership and our staunch commitment to keeping exceptional care and care providers close to home. Through Advancing Health Together, we are collaborating to ensure patients across our communities and beyond continue to receive the high-quality, local care they deserve—now and for years to come.”

Now that these two gifts have been secured, the university can move forward with the development of the new medical education facility located within the Medical Diamond, a diamond-shaped future bio-science hub. The area sits along the river in Saginaw and will become home to Central Michigan University’s College of Medicine, plus several other healthcare providers, and greenspace and a riverfront park for the benefit of the community. Central Michigan University’s fundraising goal for the project is $100 million and it plans to break ground in 2026.

The university’s College of Medicine has been experiencing a separation of students, as due to high demand, only first and second year medical students will typically study in Mount Pleasant, with third and fourth year students moving over to Saginaw to complete their studies. With this project, the consolidation of all medical students to the Medical Diamond in Saginaw will help to unite all College of Medicine students. 

Dr. Tina Thompson, the interim dean of the CMU College of Medicine, explained, “Bringing the majority of our medical students together into a single geographic area will provide greater opportunities for peer-to-peer mentoring and student engagement. It will allow for more interaction between and among students and faculty and open doors for further collaboration in research and clinical education across the region.”

University President Neil MacKinnon said, “The need for a strong, community-oriented medical education program and physician pipeline has never been greater. CMU, Covenant HealthCare and MyMichigan Health have a shared commitment to improving the lives of patients and strengthening the communities we serve. This unique, collaborative partnership is a perfect alignment of our missions and visions and will benefit each organization and the people we serve.”

The university plans to expand its four-year nursing program at the Mount Pleasant campus to occupy space vacated by the College of Medicine.

For more information about Central Michigan University, visit the school’s website.