Grand Valley Magazine Summer 2016 - (Page 4)

CA MP US NE WS Haas appointed to state education commission President Thomas J. Haas will lead Gov. Rick Snyder's commission on Michigan's education system. Haas will chair the Education Commission that will be composed of 25 members who will study pre-K through 20. They have backgrounds in education, business, government or nonprofit entities, and have an interest and expertise in education and successful outcomes. "I am honored to accept the request of the governor to chair this important commission," said Haas. "We will collaborate and undertake the critical mission of designing a pre-K through 20 continuum that will shape the next generation of educated citizens essential to our state's continued economic health." Snyder made the announcement in late May following his March executive order, which created the 21st Century Education Commission. The P20 Education Commission will analyze top performing states and nations to determine how their systems of education lead to successful career credentialing and post-secondary education, recommend changes to Michigan's system and prioritize those recommendations. The commission must finish its work and issue a final report to the governor for his consideration no later than February 28. President Thomas J. Haas (left), shakes hands with Gov. Rick Snyder; Haas was appointed to Snyder's education commission. 4 Summer '16 Directors' cup returns to Fieldhouse trophy hall For the third consecutive year, Grand Valley has earned the Learfield Sports Directors' Cup trophy, known as the all-sports trophy, for having the nation's top NCAA Division II athletic program. Grand Valley has earned 11 Directors' Cup trophies in the last 13 years. The scoring system is based on the national finishes of seven men's and seven women's sports. Highlighted by a national championship in soccer, the Lakers recorded 11 top five finishes: women's cross county (second), football (third), women's basketball (third), women's indoor track and field (third), men's cross country (fourth), women's golf (fourth), men's outdoor track and field (fourth), women's Tim and Terry Selgo stand behind the Learfield Sports Directors' Cup, presented to Grand Valley for having the top NCAA Division II athletic program. outdoor track and field (fourth), and women's swimming and diving (fifth) and men's indoor track and field (fifth). Provost announces 2017 retirement Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs Gayle R. Davis will retire next summer. Davis announced her intentions to faculty and staff members in a message July 11. She was appointed provost in 2002 and became only the second person in Grand Valley history to hold the position. During her tenure, she shepherded a major reorganization of the university's colleges and oversaw major growth in enrollment and significant success in retaining students through graduation. President Thomas J. Haas noted Davis' many accomplishments and her campus leadership. "Gayle has left an indelible mark on Grand Valley and Michigan," Haas said. "She's the consummate academic leader, and she worked with all groups on and off campus, positioning Grand Valley for the future. Student success is Gayle's North Star. Her efforts with faculty and staff in restructuring a 21st century university led to increasing enrollments and a record number of graduates through the application of relevant and rigorous curriculum and co-curricular programming. She also provided service to our community, making it a better place to work and live. I could not have asked for a better partner." Davis holds a doctorate in American studies and Gayle R. Davis a master's degree in art history from Michigan State University. She earned a bachelor's degree in French from Muskingum College. Before coming to Grand Valley in 2002, she was the associate vice president for Academic Affairs and Research at Wichita State University. Haas said the university will conduct a nationwide search for Davis's successor. The search will be co-chaired by Jon Jellema, recently retired associate vice president for Academic Affairs and associate professor emeritus of English; and Teri Losey, secretary to the Board of Trustees and executive associate to the president.

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Grand Valley Magazine Summer 2016

Campus News
Research
Donor Impact
Q&A Erika King
Athletics
Inside-out
Sustainability
Not your average spring break
Life stories
Off the Path
Fall Arts Celebration
Alumni News

Grand Valley Magazine Summer 2016