As we close out another remarkable year, I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to our community, faculty, staff, and students across Northern Michigan. Every step forward we’ve taken together has been shaped by your partnership, your passion, and your commitment to creating opportunities for learners in our region. 

This year reminded us how powerful it is when education, industry, and community come together around a shared purpose. Our four focus areas, Rural Health, Blue & Green Economy, Entrepreneurship & Innovation, and PK-12 Teacher and Leadership Pathways, continue to guide our work and reflect the needs and strengths of Northern Michigan. And thanks to your collaboration, we’ve made meaningful progress across each of them.

A major highlight of the year was our move to the Front Street Campus; an important step forward in deepening our collaboration with Northwestern Michigan College and expanding accessibility for students in the region. Our relocation has brought new energy to the space, with students, faculty, and staff enjoying the café, coffee shop, expanded study areas, and the vibrancy that comes from being part of an active, student-centered campus. This transition has strengthened our partnership with NMC and created a more connected, welcoming home for GVSU in Traverse City.

As you read through this newsletter, you’ll find highlights from the past year, spotlights on students whose paths inspire us all, and a gallery of moments that reflect the energy, growth, and community spirit of GVSU in Northern Michigan.

I am especially grateful for the students who have shared their journeys with us this year. Their stories capture the determination, resilience, and purpose that define this region. They remind us why we do this work.

Thank you for being part of this momentum, and for helping us build a stronger and more vibrant future for our region.

Warmest regards,

Since establishing a regional presence in 1995, GVSU has been dedicated to expanding educational access, strengthening local talent pipelines, and supporting the economic vitality of Northern Michigan.

Students can complete bachelor’s and graduate degrees as well as short-term badges and certificates that meet evolving workforce needs without leaving the region, thanks to close collaboration with community colleges, employers, and community partners.

Looking ahead, GVSU is advancing four core regional priorities that reinforce our mission to serve, empower, and innovate alongside Northern Michigan’s communities.

Expanding Behavioral Health Training Through a $1.8M Federal Grant

Grand Valley’s Physician Assistant Studies program received a five-year, $1.8 million federal grant to address the shortage of primary care providers trained in behavioral health across rural communities. This initiative equips PAS students, faculty, and clinical preceptors to integrate behavioral health into their primary care practice, an essential skill as rural communities face increasing mental health needs.

Over the life of the grant, 90 students will complete specialized training and will have access to a behavioral health certificate and housing stipends that reduce barriers to completing rural rotations. With nearly 80% of GVSU PAS graduates already practicing in rural settings, this investment strengthens our ability to serve Northern Michigan and expand access to high-quality behavioral health care across the region.

Strategic Partner: GVSU's Master of Physician Assistant Studies

Launching the First Traverse City MVE-Lab and Strengthening the Regional Ecosystem

This year marked the successful launch of the first Michigan Veteran Entrepreneur-Lab (MVE-Lab) in Traverse City, delivered in partnership with the GVSU Richard M. and Helen DeVos Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation and it's Director, Shorouq Almallah. This is an exciting milestone for the region’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, as it represents a major step in expanding opportunities, resources, and support for veterans who are ready to transform their ideas into impactful businesses. Over the course of 12 weeks, veterans and military-connected participants developed their business concepts, strengthened their leadership capabilities, and engaged deeply with local mentors, community partners, and innovation networks across Northern Michigan.

The program culminated in an inspiring pitch night that showcased ventures poised to contribute to the region’s economic growth. The enthusiasm and community support surrounding this inaugural cohort reaffirmed GVSU’s commitment to fostering innovation and empowering veteran entrepreneurs. Information about the 2026 MVE-Lab dates and application process will be shared at the start of the new year.

Strategic Partner: Richard M. and Helen DeVos Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation

Advancing Freshwater Innovation Through Support from the National Science Foundation

Our leadership in freshwater research and technology took a significant step forward with the launch of our NSF-funded collaboration with Northwestern Michigan College, GVSU's Annis Water Resources Institute, and the University of Notre Dame. Under the leadership of Dr. Stuart Jones, who began his role as AWRI Director in January 2025, this initiative brings students, researchers, and community partners together to address real-world freshwater challenges and strengthen regional capacity in water innovation.

From hands-on fieldwork to applied research experiences, this grant is creating new opportunities for learners in our region and reinforcing Northern Michigan’s role in shaping the future of the Blue & Green Economy.

Strategic Partner: Robert B. Annis Water Resources Institute

Celebrating 32 Newly Certified Teachers in Northern Michigan

We are proud to celebrate the 32 teachers who earned initial-teacher certification this year through GVSU’s Grow Your Own (GYO) Graduate Teacher Certification (GTC) program. These graduates bring fresh passion, skill, and leadership into classrooms across the region, which addresses critical workforce shortages and strengthening the future of PK–12 education in our communities.

Their achievements reflect the power of accessible, community-rooted preparation programs and the strong partnership between GVSU and Northwestern Education Services, along with the dedication of our faculty, district partners, and local leaders. These new educators are already making a meaningful impact in the lives of Northern Michigan students.

Strategic Partner: Teacher Education

Our students continue to inspire us with their determination, creativity, and commitment to their communities. In this newsletter, we are proud to highlight a few of the stories that exemplify the spirit of Northern Michigan learners, students who are balancing work and family, pursuing new career pathways, contributing to local industries, and shaping the future of our region. Their journeys reflect the power of access, support, and opportunity, and they remind us why expanding educational pathways close to home matters.

In the Fall 2025 semester, GVSU - Northern Michigan was able to travel twice a month to engage with North Central Michigan College's faculty, staff, and students. Our advisors and Allied Health Sciences and Physician Assistant Studies faculty were invited to present to NCMC's AH 233: Intro to Health Professions. After the presentation, NCMC students submitted journal reflections that were shared with our team by Allied Health Professor Karrie Pater:

 "The advisors mentioned the value of job shadowing, volunteering, or working in healthcare-related fields. [...] I had assumed academic performance was the main process, but now I realize experience and motivation are just as important. [...]"

"I had underestimated how helpful advisors could be and thought most of the planning was something I’d have to figure out on my own."

"Overall, Grand Valley offers many opportunities for students pursuing health care careers, making it an excellent choice for those headed in that direction."

These reflections demonstrate the value of NCMC's collaboration to increase access to rural healthcare by cultivating a pipeline of future professionals prepared to serve northern Michigan communities.

One of the most exciting milestones this year was the launch of the Northern Michigan Access Fund, introduced in May as a pilot initiative designed to ensure that donor support designated for Northern Michigan stays here, meeting the needs of students in our region. For the first time, we have a dedicated space where community generosity and the unique needs of our students can come together, which removes barriers, expands access, and helps learners thrive close to home. If you’d like to support this important work, you can make a gift by clicking the button below.

The past year has been full of moments that capture the energy and growth of GVSU’s work across Northern Michigan. From hands-on learning in classrooms and labs, to community events, partner visits, student celebrations, and regional collaborations, these images offer a glimpse into the people and partnerships that make our work possible. We hope you enjoy looking back at some of the highlights that tell the story of our year.

GVSU's Traverse City Regional Center
1890 College Drive
Traverse City, Michigan 49686
(231) 995-1785
nminfo@gvsu.edu