Davenport University in Grand Rapids is considering plans to open a campus in metro Detroit, an idea outlined in the university’s five-year strategic plan, called Vision 2020, which was released today.
“We have a long history of serving (metro Detroit), and with a resurgence of business, technology, and health industries in southeast Michigan, plus the continuing need for well-prepared teachers who will make a difference in urban school districts, we believe our career-focused education model can be an important part of that region’s renewal,” says Richard Pappas, president of Davenport University.
Going forward, Pappas says there are also plans to expand the W.A. Lettinga Campus in Grand Rapids, where a new facility for the Donald W. Maine College of Business will be constructed. He says the Farmers Insurance Athletics Complex will be completed, and Davenport University’s football program will launch in 2016.
“Our Grand Rapids campus serves a broad variety of students,” Pappas says. “But, the addition of football and continued development of residence halls and a vibrant campus life will help us to increase our traditional student enrollment.”
The university also is partnering with community colleges across the state to provide opportunities for students to continue their education at Davenport after obtaining their associates degree. In turn, Davenport is exploring a new campus to serve the Bay City, Saginaw, and Midland region of Michigan.
Over the past five years, Davenport has launched programs such as a doctoral degree in physical therapy, a master’s degree in the college of urban education, and an accounting program.
