MSU, GVSU announce partnership

Michigan State University President Lou Anna Simon and Grand Valley State University President Thomas Haas Friday announced a new partnership that will funnel GVSU pre-med students into MSU' s medical school.

"We're thrilled to bring an announcement of a significant agreement that provides a pathway for GVSU students in the pre-med program directly to the medical college at MSU," Haas said. "We want to keep our talent here."

Simon said the details are not yet clear, but Haas said five slots will be reserved at the MSU medical school for GVSU students who have completed requirements of the program.

"It's a great relationship ensuring some of the best and brightest students in West Michigan are ensured access from Grand Valley to MSU." Haas said.

Higher education requires a commitment to invest in the workforce in Michigan, Haas earlier said at Friday morning's session at the Regional Policy Conference, sponsored by the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce and other West Michigan chambers.

On the panel, Ferris State University President David Eisler, Northwestern Michigan College President Timothy J. Nelson and Kalamazoo College President Eileen B. Wilson-Oyelaran joined Haas, who leads the group representing presidents of the state's 15 public universities. "I believe that emphasized the importance of private and public colleges in moving Michigan's economy forward.

"I believe there is a culture of divestment in higher education in the state of Michigan," Haas told the political and business leaders gathered at the breakfast event. "We need to look at a college degree as a public good."

"I do believe this is just a positive note of collaboration between our two institutions," he added. "We are looking at ways to advance our institutions and ways to advance this region and our state."

Elizabeth Slowik, reporter