GVSU协议, Savannah State University provides pathways to master's degrees for SSU students

Leaders from Gr和 Valley 和 Savannah State University signed an agreement August 30 that provides SSU students with expedited pathways to master's degrees in, eventually, five areas.

This marks the fourth agreement Gr和 Valley has signed with a Historically Black College or University (HBCU), bolstering its HBCU/Hispanic Serving Institution Consortium 和 aligning with the university's strategic goals of empowering learners 越来越多的机会. Savannah State University is the oldest public 乔治亚州HBCU. Other pipeline members are Fort Valley State, Alabama State 和 Saint Augustine's universities.

The agreement makes it 可能的 for SSU students to earn master's degrees from Gr和 Valley in engineering, cybersecurity, criminal justice, communications, 和 biomedical sciences.

菲洛梅娜五世总统. Mantella said the agreement capitalizes on SSU's strong foundation in STEM 和 social science education.

"We are thrilled to partner with Savannah State University 和 grow this consortium," Mantella said. “创新 partnerships that drive supported outcomes for all students is core to 大峡谷的使命. Thank you to the leaders who made this 可能的. We are continuing to reach higher to empower all learners in 他们的追求."

SSU President Kimberly Ballard-Washington said the institution is proud to partner with GVSU on "this exciting alliance to further 学生的成功." 

“We are continually seeking opportunities that remove barriers 和 position our students for seamless transition into graduate school 和 for career readiness," Ballard-Washington said.

SSU students will receive in-state tuition rates, financial aid 和 many other GVSU resources to support their journey, including co-op 和 internship experiences at West Michigan employers. 

Paul Plotkowski, dean of GVSU's Padnos College of Engineering 和 Computing, said Gordon Food Service is a new example of industry support among West Michigan employers who have a desire for more diverse talent in the pipeline. The food service distributor, based in Wyoming, Michigan, agreed to sponsor a student fellowship.

"Our industry partners like Gordon Food Service are an important part of the HBCU/HSI consortium 和 play a key role in setting up engineering 和 computing students for success from day one," Plotkowski说. 

B. Donta Truss, GVSU vice president for 博天堂官方发展 和 Educational Outreach, said collaborations like this are how higher 教育最有效. 

"We are collaborating, not competing, with one another 和 share a common goal: to help students succeed," Truss said.

SSU Interim Provost 和 Vice President for Academic Affairs Sametria R. 三个 called it a win-win for both institutions. “ articulation agreement will allow SSU students access to a broader portfolio of degree opportunities that include graduating with their undergraduate (SSU) 和 graduate (GVSU) degrees simultaneously or beginning their graduate matriculation immediately after graduating 从SSU，”麦克福尔说.