After a $4M overhaul, the former home of Custer Office Environments at the corner of Louis St. and Ottawa Avenue in downtown Grand Rapids is now the urban home of
Davenport University.
The facility, which is equipped to handle some 800 students, features three floors of state-of-the-art technology, open learning spaces, small-group gathering spots and a green environment, says Davenport University President Richard J. Pappas, Ed.D.
"Before we even got started (with construction), we did a survey and found out the demand for MBA opportunities in downtown Grand Rapids was huge," Pappas says. "We saw this large amount of people who live and who work downtown who didn't have master's degrees and we think the demand is powerful. A bachelor's is expected for most jobs, so an MBA separates you from the crowd for upwardly mobile jobs."
Davenport will start by offering both its
MBA in healthcare management and its MBA in accounting and strategic management programs at the new downtown digs. Classes will be limited to 15 to 20 students. Student needs will determine the schedule, Pappas says, adding that Davenport will also customize any MBA program to meet the needs of area employers.
Davenport has applied for
LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification.
Public open houses are planned for June 14, 15 and 17, with free lunch for anyone who stops by. Faculty will be on hand to answer questions and the university plans a $1,000 scholarship giveaway and other prizes.
Fall programs are accepting students now. For more information, contact Marisa Buscaglia at 616-233-2598 or
[email protected].
Source: Richard J. Pappas, Ed.D, Davenport University
Writer: Deborah Johnson Wood, Development News Editor
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