Fifteen years ago, Midland-based Northwood University opened its Grand Rapids location. Now university leaders say that a move to a new downtown, high-tech facility is the best way to put the school on the local radar. That, and the addition of the school's part-time MBA program, the Richard DeVos Graduate School of Management.
Northwood, whose Grand Rapids campus serves adult students, recently moved from 1971 E. Beltline Ave. NE to 515 Michigan St. NE, on the corner of Michigan and College Avenue NE. Formerly medical offices, the new 4,000-square-foot facility is now an open-concept classroom and admissions space and nearly doubles the school's capacity.
"We want a venue that is easily accessible, and is a real showcase that will serve as a regional admissions office for West Michigan," says Matt Bennett, director of admissions. "We really kept it modern; the admissions area is in clear glass offices and there are LCD panels in every classroom as well as the latest technology."
In January 2011, the school launches the DeVos Evening MBA Program for adults who want to pursue graduate studies but can only do so on a part-time basis. It's the first time the program is offered in West Michigan, although it's already part of Northwood's curriculum in Midland, Lansing, Troy, West Palm Beach, Fla. and Cedar Hill, Tex.
The MBA program complements Northwood's Adult Degree Program, also offered in Grand Rapids, for adults who want to complete their undergraduate degrees. Having both courses of study allows learners to get their degree and then move on to grad school at the same location.
"Northwood University is a business school, and we are simply one of many partners in the business community," Bennett says. "We really want to be an active participant in Grand Rapids' entrepreneurial development."
Source: Matt Bennett, Northwood University
Writer: Deborah Johnson Wood, Development News Editor
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