Sep 19, 2024 | Discovery Pier, Freshwater Research and Innovation Center, FRIC, Great Lakes Water Studies Institute, Intercom, Student News
September 19, 2024
NMC President Nick Nissley and GVSU president Philomena Mantella sign the Direct Connect agreement. (Download a high-resolution version here.)
With health care occupations dominating Michigan’s latest Hot 50 job outlook, NMC’s new Direct Connect partnership with Grand Valley State University’s Allied Health Sciences bachelor’s degree creates an opportune, affordable pathway to careers with the strongest growth outlook.
Starting this fall, Direct Connect aims to double the number of NMC students transferring to GVSU, a longtime University Center partner, by guaranteeing admission to qualifying students. Credits earned toward their NMC associate degree count as freshman and sophomore year credits at GVSU.
“They’re earning the first half of their bachelor’s degree at an NMC price,” said NMC Director of Student Success & Retention Lindsey Dickinson.
Students concurrently enroll in GVSU and NMC classes their third semester, getting a jump start on their bachelor’s, then complete the junior and senior level GVSU curriculum entirely in Traverse City. The Allied Health Sciences bachelor’s degree is designed to meet the needs of health professionals from medical social workers to physical therapists to physician assistants.
All of those jobs are among Michigan’s latest Hot 50 job outlook, just released this week by the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity. Updated every other year, the forecast shows the healthcare sector has the strongest job outlook of any In Michigan through 2032. Most healthcare jobs require at least a bachelor’s degree, however, which NMC students must transfer to earn. NMC already offers a transfer path to a bachelor’s of nursing degree. Direct Connect expands that to other health care occupations.
“Students don’t always understand the transfer process,” said NMC advisor Katie Sommer-Ford. “We want them to know right from the start that they can go to Grand Valley.”
Beyond guaranteed admission and a more affordable path to a bachelor’s, Direct Connect will make transfer smoother through co-advising from both NMC and GVSU.
“It is a pioneering initiative in the region that creates a clear, streamlined pathway for NMC students to continue their education at GVSU,” said Shannon Owen, GVSU’s Director of the Northern Region. “We believe this program will help remove barriers in the transfer process and accelerate students’ entry into the workforce.”
Next year, NMC plans to expand the Direct Connect process to other University Center partner schools Davenport University, Ferris State University and Central Michigan University.
Sep 4, 2024 | Discovery Pier, Freshwater Research and Innovation Center, FRIC, Great Lakes Water Studies Institute, Intercom, Student News
September 4, 2024
A new economic era in the Grand Traverse area formally kicks off today in Greilickville, as NMC and the Discovery Pier (DP) formalize the structure of the Freshwater Research and Innovation Center which will create high-value, year-round jobs in sensor development, engineering, advanced manufacturing, and other areas related to freshwater and marine technologies.
NMC and DP will sign articles of incorporation for the nonprofit dedicated to managing and owning the Center, a 40,000 square foot facility and dockside learning lab situated on 17 acres of West Grand Traverse Bay frontage owned by DP. It will house research initiatives, start-ups, small businesses, water-related organizations, and NMC’s Great Lakes Water Studies Institute.
Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist, center, and FRIC supporters gather at the project site last year.Set to break ground in a year, the Center has already attracted $22.7 million in funding, including $15 million from the state of Michigan. It is envisioned as a hub for the region’s blue economy, a sector that is poised to be as important as lumber, agriculture and tourism have been.
“This partnership represents a pivotal moment for our community and region.” said NMC President Nick Nissley. “The Freshwater Research and Innovation Center will not only advance freshwater research and innovation but also provide significant economic and educational benefits.”
Discovery Pier CEO Matt McDonough said, “The Great Lakes face a myriad of challenges from PFAS, invasive species, climate impacts and more. Advancements in better technology and a skilled workforce are needed to understand and address these challenges. The Freshwater Center will be a place where new technologies are developed and a skilled workforce is trained to do that.
NMC and DP have each committed $3 million to the Center. Other key stakeholders include Traverse Connect, 20Fathoms, and Michigan Technological University (MTU), who will all have seats on a nine-member board of directors. This diverse board will ensure comprehensive oversight and strategic direction for the center. NMC and DP will maintain necessary reserved powers over key financial and operational decisions.
Warren Call, CEO of Traverse Connect, said, “The Freshwater Center is poised to establish Northern Michigan as a key player in the global blue economy, attracting businesses, talent, and investment to our region.”
Construction bids are scheduled to be awarded this December, with construction set to start in fall 2025. The project is expected to be completed by spring 2027.
