Karen Ruedinger

The listening session focused on gathering feedback to inform the search for the next university president. Discussions included the university's commitment to being a student-centered institution, the importance of maintaining strong faculty governance, and the need for a collaborative leadership style. Participants emphasized the university's dedication to civic engagement, fundraising, and the necessity of protecting the institution's reputation and territory against encroaching competitors. Desired attributes for the next president include being personable, relatable, entrepreneurial, a critical thinker, and someone who values international education.

The session focused on gathering feedback from the university community regarding the leadership qualities and criteria for the selection of the next president. Key discussion topics included the necessity for the new president to be approachable, sincere, and capable of maintaining financial and enrollment stability. The external search firm outlined their role in recruiting candidates and managing the search process to ensure the selection of a leader aligned with the university's mission and future growth goals.

The Board of Trustees meeting covered several key administrative and academic agenda items. Actions included the approval of honorary degrees for Steve Wozniak and Judith R. Faulkner, the authorization of a new Computing Ph.D. program, and the adoption of the 2026-2027 Housing and Dining budget, room and board rates, auxiliary operating budgets, and tuition and fee schedule. Additionally, the Board authorized new charter contracts and reauthorizations for several public school academies, appointed members to the Charter School Board of Directors, accepted cash gifts for the university and WGVU, and approved various personnel actions. The President provided a report highlighting the institution's commitment to its founding mission, long-term stewardship, and impact.

This strategic framework for the Division of Academic Affairs outlines a collaborative vision for academic excellence, innovation, transformative student experiences, scholarly activity, and community engagement. It is built upon five core strategic priorities: cultivating transformative teaching and curriculum, empowering learners for the future, amplifying research, scholarship, and creative activity, advancing an organizational culture of inclusion, equity, and joyful well-being, and activating partnerships to drive positive impact for people, place, and planet. The framework aims to empower learners, inspire discovery, and contribute meaningfully to the public good.

The 'Reach Higher 2025' initiative outlines Grand Valley State University's shared mission and vision through 2025 and beyond. This plan is structured around three key commitments: fostering an empowered educational experience, promoting a lifetime of learning, and cultivating a culture of educational equity. The overarching goal is to enable the university to 'Reach Higher' and significantly impact the communities and societies it serves.