President Donald Trump’s administration has initiated a continuous assault on university life, the First Amendment, student journalism and civil rights just 86 days into his term. Our papers — the Michigan Daily, the Grand Valley Lanthorn and the Ferris State Torch — have witnessed the onslaught to varying degrees in our own backyards. As journalists and students, we are watching an attack on the rights of our peers with a simultaneous shift to cowardice by university administrations. This is not just happening in Michigan, but across the entire country. 

Following a summer of protests and the violent removal of a pro-Palestine encampment at the University of Michigan, there has been a retaliation from the highest office in the country. After the federal government dangled $400 million of federal funding in their faces, Columbia administrators agreed to ban protesting students from wearing face masks, hire additional security personnel and review the school’s Middle Eastern studies department. These concessions are taking place on varying scales across the country, with the University of Maine serving as another example. To win back funding, the institution announced it will not allow trans women to compete in women’s sports.

When students enroll in school, they do so under the assumption their university will look out for them. That assumption has been proven wrong. Universities are failing to deliver for their students, as administrators have prioritized their pocketbooks over the security of their students. 

Student journalists and activist groups have warned that the values defining higher education are under attack. As diversity, equity and inclusion programs come under assault, immigration officers descend upon our campuses and LGBTQ+ protections are stripped away, our schools have either stood in silence or actively fallen in line with the president’s demands, and in the process, our universities have been pulled from under us.

In a shameful move, U-M announced campus-wide cuts to DEI initiatives through the closure of both its Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and Office of Health, Equity and Inclusion. The Wall Street Journal reports that University of Michigan President Santa Ono is “ready to play ball with Trump’s Washington.” He’s not the only one. 

At Grand Valley State University, students and faculty have expressed concern over a lack of communication about campus immigration and customs enforcement guidelines. In March, GVSU administration altered and cut language in the university’s harassment policy to fall in line with the most recent federal court rulings, which reverted Title IX policies back to those of the first Trump administration.

For Ferris State University, a lack of student protests has seemingly equated to little to no concerns about federal crackdowns. However, we argue that it’s a safe bet that members of targeted communities are most likely living with fear. At the very least, we think our universities should be affirming the safety of students who have drawn the ire of the federal government. 

Last week, the Department of Homeland Security revoked the visas of current and former U-M, GVSU and Central Michigan University students. Places of higher education have a duty to protect students, whether that be from ICE arrests, the federal government’s gutting of resources for marginalized students or the erasure of scholarship and curricula. However, none of our schools have appropriately safeguarded students from the federal government’s harm.

Following the detainment of Rumeysa Ozturk, a Tufts University doctoral student who wrote a pro-Palestine op-ed in her school’s newspaper, Tufts’ president issued a statement of support for Ozturk and called for her release. We applaud the actions being taken by Tufts University and feel higher-ed administrations nationwide should be exerting the same strength to shield their students from Trump’s grip.

Just this week, Harvard refused to capitulate to the Trump administration’s demands, saying the university is “not prepared to agree to demands that go beyond the lawful authority of this or any administration.” We believe that Harvard’s stance should be replicated by other universities, yet we also acknowledge the school’s hand in repressing pro-Palestine activists. While not all higher-ed institutions are private like Harvard, the protection of students should be universal. 

At the moment, we don’t feel our institutions would stand up and speak out. We’ve seen our administrations quickly cave to the pressure of both the Trump administration and wealthy benefactors time and time again. Above all, university officials appear to be more worried about their finances than the communities they are meant to serve.

Our papers cover these issues in order to help students parse through the hectic media landscape. In most cases, university leadership either briefly responds through email or flat out declines to comment. Administrators should be engaging in communication with student reporters during this difficult time. We feel as if instead of supporting their students, many higher-ed officials are cowardly hiding being a wall of vague and ambiguous policy. 

As journalists, we feel a responsibility to amplify campus voices, and as scholars ourselves, we’re imploring our administrations to safeguard students from harm’s way and preserve freedom of expression. It’s up to students and university community members to continue speaking out and advocating for the future they want to see on their campuses — a space free of repression and oppression — in Michigan and beyond.

After seeing the drastic move made by U-M and hearing increased opposition to DEI both locally and nationally, some students are voicing their support for programming at the University, despite no moves having been made to follow U-M footsteps. The Lanthorn reached out to Robert Shorty, the vice president for People, Equity and Culture, and the Inclusion and Equity Institute but neither were able to provide comment at time of publication.

At GVSU, DEI comprises departments, offices, events and educational initiatives. The Office of Multicultural Affairs, Milton E. Ford LGBT Resource Center, the Division of People, Equity and Culture and the Inclusion and Equity Institute are similar examples to higher-ed efforts being targeted nationwide.

On Friday, March 28, Ottawa County Commissioner Joe Moss wrote a letter to President Philomena Mantella decrying campus DEI initiatives and requesting the closure of both the Division of People, Equity and Culture and the Inclusion and Equity Institute. Moss also requested the University to comply with federal law and guidelines surrounding transgender women in sports, as well as an update to the Weapons Policy. The letter came after Moss was found to be in violation of the policy by carrying a concealed firearm on campus.

The Lanthorn reached out to Mantella but has not received comment.

Both large and small-scale attacks on DEI have been criticized by students and community members, leading to a protest Thursday, April 3 in front of James H. Zumberge Hall. The protest was organized by the Progressive Student Union (PSU), Nourish Black Women and Voices for Justice. The student organizations aimed to persuade administration against any demands to eliminate DEI initiatives. 

“We felt it was important to rally students to show (the) GVSU administration we won’t tolerate any policy changes on DEI similar to what happened at the University of Michigan,” said Owen Frassetto, a PSU member.

Further, Frassetto stated he believes administration has not adequately opposed President Trump’s policies or the push for more conservative guidelines, mentioning the University’s rollback of certain Title IX protections in its harassment policy.

“Students uniting and making our voices heard can make administration think twice before making changes (to) DEI,” Frassetto said. 

Critics of DEI feel it is discriminatory against those that are not part of marginalized communities. Nevertheless, in a workplace setting, many studies have indicated that DEI initiatives lead to more productivity and general satisfaction. A 2023 study by the Pew Research Center showed that a majority of workers agreed DEI efforts are good and create a more hospitable work environment. According to the University of Washington’s College of Medicine, DEI initiatives give institutions new perspectives, foster equitable environments and help provide opportunities to those who have been traditionally disadvantaged.

Senior Emily Christianson feels DEI on campuses is important in making students feel secure while they pursue an education.

“Without this (DEI), many (students) won’t feel comfortable staying at GVSU or even coming to GVSU.”

While it remains to be seen if any further changes will be mandated, many community members remain wrought with concern.

Ended federal union collective bargaining

Warming everyone up for the entries to come, I think it would be appropriate to start with one of the worst attacks on organized labor in our country since the Haymarket massacre. On the morning of Friday, March 28, Trump signed an executive order cancelling collective bargaining for a swath of federal employee unions. This is the first time in my recent memory that state-sanctioned union-busting has taken place so blatantly at this level. While this is likely to be challenged in court, labor unions should take this as a sign they will not be able to count on winning their labor struggles the traditional way, lest Trump steps in to save his rich buddies on Wall Street.

Erasure Of Black And Queer History 

Presumably because they couldn’t think of anything better to do, in mid-February,  the Trump administration ordered the removal of any mention of LGBTQ+ people, people of color and women from government websites, such as NASA and the Arlington National Cemetery pages. This includes, among many other things, an article highlighting the military service of Jackie Robinson, who famously broke the MLB’s color barrier. This is a small chapter in the administration’s broad war on diversity, but it bears mentioning to show how all-encompassing Trump’s attacks on DEI have been, even in terms of seemingly minuscule elements like one-page tributes on federal websites.

Greenland

One of Trump’s goals since taking office has been his seemingly unwavering dedication to annex Greenland, despite most of Greenland being against this plan of action. This lack of consent from the people of Greenland has done little to dissuade Trump, who has dug his heels in the sand and channeled his inner Veruca Salt from the film  “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” droning on and on about how we simply must have Greenland. Trump has also gone on record stating the U.S. having Greenland would make the whole world safe. Personally, I can’t really see how. This debacle would honestly be a lot funnier if it didn’t also have massive implications for U.S. alliances abroad. If a U.S. invasion of Greenland happens, which Trump has alluded to, it would essentially torch NATO’s alliance with the U.S. and any goodwill toward Europe.

“Terrific” Operations Security

In one of the most laughable moments from Trump’s presidency so far, top-secret government information was leaked to the public due to several officials not knowing how to use Signal. This chat, including people such as JD Vance, Pete Hegseth, Mike Waltz, Marco Rubio and a few other high-ranking officials, was used to discuss plans to bomb Yemen. What they didn’t realize, however, was that a reporter from The Atlantic had been included in the chat by mistake, and was witness to the top-secret discussion. These discussions were held in a manner that seemed as if they were part of a fraternity, planning their weekend blowout. The utter surrealism of Waltz using emojis to discuss a bombing campaign is without description. After the Trump administration denied the chats and questioned the legitimacy of the reporter, The Atlantic released the entire Signal conversation, which revealed that the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff was not included. This entire, embarrassing debacle can be summed up with one group chat text from Hegseth, the Fox News host masquerading as a military official, “100% OPSEC” (Operations Security).

Political Deportations

Finally, one of the most horrifying and cruel moments from this presidency is Trump’s weaponization of deportation to remove those who are actively working against the administration. Specifically, he has worked to deport students involved in pro-Palestine activism across the country. Most notably, the abduction of Mahmoud Khalil at the hands of ICE has grabbed the nation’s attention in an unprecedented attack on the student movement. Several abductions followed soon after, and almost all individuals have been waiting in jail without trial. All this comes as the Trump administration has been looking to strip due process in deportation cases, which would essentially allow the government to deport anyone as long as they’re accused of being an illegal immigrant.

While this is by no means a complete list of all the noteworthy actions from Trump and his administration, I hope it illustrates just how insane, cruel and seemingly stupid this administration has managed to be in just over two months.

The investigation into GVSU originated from a federal civil rights complaint filed in January by the Equal Protection Project (EPP), a conservative advocacy organization, over 11 scholarships at the University. Although the EPP asserts its commitment to equity and civil rights, it has solely filed complaints against initiatives and programs designed to assist marginalized individuals.

The EPP has also expressed strong opposition to DEI initiatives, critical race theory and the Black Lives Matter movement. Other universities, including the University of Michigan, are under investigation for partnering with the non-profit organization the PhD Project, which helps those from marginalized communities get doctoral degrees in business. GVSU and the University of Michigan are the state’s only two institutions under investigation.

“We are reviewing this communication (from the OCR) and will respond as appropriate,” said Assistant Vice President of University Communications Chris Knape. “Grand Valley State University is committed to maintaining an inclusive environment while complying with all applicable laws.”

In response to the investigation’s launch, GVSU President Philomena Mantella released a statement addressing both student and faculty concerns. According to Mantella, the University’s legal team is reviewing the notice, communicating with the OCR and gathering related information. Mantella also acknowledged the stress that the investigation may create for the campus community, but claimed the University will uphold its values while complying with the law. 

The Office of Multicultural Affairs declined to comment on the federal investigation. 

GVSU student Foster Hazen feels the University’s scholarships that are being targeted are essential in providing everyone with an opportunity to succeed academically.

“The scholarships (at GVSU) are an attempt to bridge the wealth and education gap caused by institutional racism, (and) give disadvantaged students an equitable, approximate opportunity at higher education,” said student Foster Hazen. “There are hundreds, if not thousands, of scholarships available to white students. Why feel entitled to the (less than a dozen scholarships) that aim to make education more accessible to your peers?” 

Hazen also noted that providing marginalized students with access to financial resources should be a top priority for educational institutions across the country.

“Having a diverse and well-supported student body is the key to having a representational workforce, which can enable change at a systemic level,” Hazen said.

The National Education Association (NEA) and the American Federation of Teachers, the largest teacher unions in America, have filed a federal lawsuit against the investigations. The lawsuit claims the investigations are based on unconstitutionally vague and unfounded claims, especially regarding universities’ supposed violations of the Fifth Amendment. It also accuses the Trump administration of violating the First Amendment by restricting the freedom of speech in classrooms and not allowing educators to teach ethnic studies.

“Diversity, equity and inclusion programs create a sense of belonging where we all feel comfortable sharing our ideas and lived experiences,” said NEA President Becky Pringle on the NEA website. “It (DEI programs) gives people who look and sound like me, and who come from communities like mine, who speak a different language, or first-generation college students, a foot in the door and the opportunity to reach their full potential.”

The investigation into GVSU is in response to a federal complaint filed in January by the Equal Protection Project (EPP), which alleged that 11 University scholarships for BIPOC students violate Title VI of the Civil Rights Act and the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment. 

GVSU President Philomena Mantella released a statement on Friday in response to the investigation.

“Our legal team is currently reviewing this communication from OCR and gathering information to inform the university’s response and next steps,” Mantella said. “GVSU will continue to lean into its values while maintaining compliance with the law.”

The other 45 schools are being investigated for allegedly violating Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color and national origin in programs and activities receiving federal financial assistance. The Department of Education claims that colleges and universities have violated the act by partnering with the PhD Project, a nonprofit organization that helps minority students earn PhDs in business. One of the schools targeted by the investigation is the University of Michigan.

“Students must be assessed according to merit and accomplishment, not prejudged by the color of their skin,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon in a press release. “We will not yield on this commitment.”

The investigations follow a January “dear colleague” letter from the OCR, which served to expand on the Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard verdict. The 2023 Supreme Court ruling banned race-based admissions for colleges and universities. In the letter, Acting Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Craig Trainor argued that DEI programs promote stereotypes, and that various universities actively discriminate against white and Asian students. The memo is already being challenged in two federal lawsuits. 

According to the Department of Education’s press release, the schools under investigation for alleged impermissible race-based scholarships and race-based segregation are as follows. The school being investigated specifically for alleged segregation has not yet been identified by the Department of Education.

• Grand Valley State University   
• Ithaca College  
• New England College of Optometry   
• University of Alabama  
• University of Minnesota, Twin Cities 
• University of South Florida  
• University of Oklahoma, Tulsa School of Community Medicine 

The following universities are under investigation for allegedly engaging in race-exclusionary practices in their graduate programs.

• Arizona State University-Main Campus  
• Boise State University  
• Cal Poly Humboldt  
• California State University – San Bernadino  
• Carnegie Mellon University  
• Clemson University  
• Cornell University  
• Duke University  
• Emory University  
• George Mason University  
• Georgetown University  
• Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)  
• Montana State University-Bozeman   
• New York University (NYU)  
• Rice University  
• Rutgers University  
• The Ohio State University-Main Campus  
• Towson University  
• Tulane University  
• University of Arkansas – Fayetteville   
• University of California-Berkeley  
• University of Chicago  
• University of Cincinnati – Main Campus  
• University of Colorado – Colorado Springs
• University of Delaware  
• University of Kansas  
• University of Kentucky  
• University of Michigan-Ann Arbor 
• University of Minnesota-Twin Cities  
• University of Nebraska at Omaha  
• University of New Mexico – Main Campus  
• University of North Dakota – Main Campus  
• University of North Texas – Denton   
• University of Notre Dame  
• University of NV – Las Vegas  
• University of Oregon  
• University of Rhode Island  
• University of Utah  
• University of Washington-Seattle  
• University of Wisconsin-Madison  
• University of Wyoming  
• Vanderbilt University  
• Washington State University 
• Washington University in St. Louis  
• Yale University 

The IFC is a student-led organization that oversees and governs the fraternity community at GVSU. The Vice President of Community Development is a bridge-building role that promotes belonging, both within the IFC and the Fraternity & Sorority Life (FSL) community. There has been speculation that the name change is in relation to current equity and inclusion policies being ushered in nationwide by the Trump administration. However, according to the Associate Director of Student Life Jeremy Paul, that is not the reason for the change.

“Several states have passed laws at the state level that have led to (the) re-framing of diversity, equity and inclusion work, however, the move by the GVSU IFC is not in response to laws in other states,” said Paul.

Dylan Mason, the vice president of Community Development, further emphasized Paul’s point.

“When I was elected as the JEDI chair at the beginning of the Winter 2025 semester, I was honored and excited to be Phi Kappa Tau’s first representative on the IFC Executive Board,” said Mason. “That excitement remains as strong as ever. These changes are designed to better align with the goals and direction of the IFC.”

Mason added that his position has always been about fostering connections in the GVSU community.

“(My role) serves as a bridge between the Interfraternity Community, the broader Fraternity & Sorority Life network and the greater GVSU community to ensure a sense of belonging for all,” stated Mason.

The new title is meant to improve the clarity of the position’s goals and convey expanded responsibilities.

“The title of vice president of Community Development clearly communicates its goals, while also continuing to support the values of justice, equity, diversity and inclusion within the Interfraternity Council,” Paul stated.

Mason described that his role plays a vital part in shaping a positive Greek Life experience at the University by helping members feel supported and connected.

“By further developing this position to align with the structure of other FSL councils, we enhance its (the role’s) long-term effectiveness and impact,” Mason said. “That’s why I am honored to be the one leading this role into its next chapter, embracing its new name and position on the GVSU stage.”

In the future, Paul hopes the changes will provide more direction for the vice president role. He emphasized that he wants more people to feel like they can “find a home” in the University’s FSL community.

 “I’m looking forward to seeing how our fraternities can rise to the occasion of prioritizing belonging and community with the further expansion of the Community Development role,” Paul said.

Paul explained that justice, equity, diversity and inclusion remain a priority of both the IFC and FSL.

“Our Greek Standards and Assessment Program specifically assesses chapter performance in the area of justice, equity, diversity and inclusion, along with seven other categories, and will continue to do so during the 2025 calendar year,” Paul stated. 

Although neither Paul nor Mason have heard student feedback regarding the change, they both welcome comments on how IFC can better support students in these areas. 

The Trump administration’s plan emphasizes content restrictions and calls for the dismantling of diversity teaching in educational settings. Trump is pushing for cuts to federal funding for schools or programs with curriculums that include critical race theory, “gender ideology” and other topics having to do with race, gender, or LGBTQIA+ material. Those in support of dismantling DOE are vocal about embracing an “American way of life” as the reason for such drastic change. However, we completely oppose such a standpoint and believe that if our government truly wants to embrace an American way of life, then they must allow for all diverse populations in our country to be accepted, and support their existence through the policies and plans proposed by the administration.

Instead, one of the main motives behind the Trump administration’s approach to education is an attempt to “end radical indoctrination,” according to one of the many executive orders signed by the President. The order serves to “instill a patriotic admiration for our incredible Nation and the values for which we stand.” What’s clear to us here is that the Trump administration isn’t battling indoctrination in schools, it’s attempting to implement it. Indoctrination is defined as “the process of teaching a person or group to accept a set of beliefs uncritically. Attempting to implant a particular view of the U.S. government in the minds and hearts of young people is in and of itself, indoctrination. Instead of shying away from the wrongdoings committed historically by the United States, we should prioritize educating students. We feel that doing so can stop history from repeating itself, and foster diverse communities within American culture. 

However, the motivation to exclude diverse identities in U.S. education has already had an impact on institutional communities, such as at Grand Valley State University. On Feb. 4, 2025, DOE released a statement noting a change in FAFSA form questions. The release explicitly reads as follows, “FAFSA forms will rightfully reflect the biological reality that there are only two sexes: male and female. Department officials will remove “nonbinary” as a gender identification option from the current year’s FAFSA form.” We find this change highly relevant, considering a 2022 Pew Research report noted that roughly 5% of young adults in the United States self-identified as nonbinary or transgender. This is an extremely disappointing example of flattening culture by erasing inclusive language in government documents.

Reflecting on this setback in visibility, we are frustrated by the lack of acknowledgment of a very real, and historically neglected margin of the population. Despite Trump’s agenda, transgender and gender-non-conforming people exist and have since the beginning of time. Such individuals are valid, contributing members of our society, and regardless of the lack of support from this administration, will continue to seek out higher education. Erasing the option to disclose gender identity on government forms associated with education does not change identity, instead, it is simply an embarrassing attempt to silence a population that is already under constant scrutiny. 

Ultimately, we believe that incorporating a diverse range of perspectives in education is what leads to social progress, and should not be limited by our government. Rather than stifling access to information and attempting to exclude diverse identities from the classroom, we should embrace the benefits that come from having varying cultural perspectives. Dissenting opinion is what led to the abolition of slavery and segregation, women’s suffrage and the legalization of same-sex marriage. To continue progressing as a society, the general public desperately needs to acknowledge and embrace diversity in all aspects of education rather than attempting to enforce outdated cultural norms. 

Within hours of entering office, Trump began a wave of executive orders and plans, including, but not limited to, the pardoning of all involved in the Jan. 6 Capitol riot, a requirement that all federal employees stop working remotely and even a rename of the Gulf Of Mexico to the “Gulf Of America.” Most concerning, however, are Trump’s attacks on immigration and diversity.

Regarding immigration, Trump has already put U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) into action in cities across America, detaining hundreds at a rapid pace. This painful process seems likely to continue for the coming months, with even more updates and escalations expected from the Oval Office. Trump is already looking to end birthright citizenship, although this has faced legal challenges. As for his attacks on diversity, Trump signed an executive order ending “illegal DEI and ‘diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility’ (DEIA) mandates, policies, programs, preferences and activities in the Federal Government.”

It is with this context that I wish to address Grand Valley State University’s administration. I address the University’s administration as a student concerned for the safety, well-being and future of many of my peers who are at risk by Trump. As of yet, ICE has not targeted GVSU, however, this is far from guaranteed to last. Undocumented students at GVSU have put their trust in this institution for the sake of their education and the opportunity of a better life. I plead with University administration to take the side of students who have put their money, trust and their future into University hands. This will only become more essential in the event Trump is successful in ending birthright citizenship. Active steps must be taken to protect undocumented students from these cruel, inhumane crackdowns. 

There is a similar urgency for action regarding the attacks on diversity by Trump’s administration. The attacks on DEI at the federal level will inevitably make their way to Allendale in due time. Now, more than ever, we must call on the University to strengthen its commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion on campus. Unfortunately, GVSU has had a shoddy record when it comes to DEI programs, which most notably culminated in a protest in March 2024. However, I see the coming DEI challenges as an opportunity for the University to reaffirm its commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. Support for these programs will soon cease to be solely a “nice thing” to put on University brochures. 

I would like to end this article with an excerpt from GVSU’s University Policies, section 1.3, which states, “Inclusive and Equitable Community: fosters and sustains a sense of belonging, promotes diversity and respect, and addresses systemic issues that impact outcomes for those who have been historically excluded from higher education. Inclusion and equity are experienced through our physical campuses and in digital environments, as well as our interpersonal, institutional, and community engagements.” For the sake of so many students at risk, I ask the University to not forget these words. 

Shorty began his career in social work, helping children with emotional and behavioral disorders. He then moved into the corporate sphere as a human resources manager, where he eventually made his way into various diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives for large companies.

Shorty’s experience in the corporate world includes work for legacy brands like Nike, McDonald’s and Starbucks. Though his most recent career ventures have been with commercial businesses, Shorty said he’s always had an interest in higher education.

“My higher education interest really came in my Ph.D. studies,” Shorty said. “As I began that journey working towards my Ph.D. in Organization Development, I really learned a lot about higher education systems and structures, and knew that at some point, I would want to leave my corporate career and get into academics.”

Shorty was introduced to human resources positions by chance. He was hoping for a position in Assets Protection at Target, but was recommended to pursue human resources positions.

“I had a friend who was working for Target Corporation at the time,” Shorty said. “As I went through the interview process, I eventually made it to the leader (of) Assets Protection who said, ‘Hey, I would love to have you on the team, but you belong in HR.’”

Shorty said the recommended position was in the same vein as social work, his previous occupation, and he chose to follow the opportunity in front of him. Shorty’s foray into corporate human resources eventually landed him the role of senior director of human resources for Nike. 

“(HR) really was a nice, sweet spot to be able to support people in a different way than I had in the past, but in a really important way when we think about how much time people spend at work,” Shorty said. “I jokingly call HR ‘professional social work’ from time to time.”

Shorty worked a similar position at the fast food conglomerate McDonald’s for an extended period of time. Shorty said his time with the company allowed him to help people on a new scale, one which represented many different groups of people.

“At McDonald’s, you are working with 35,000 small businesses all under one brand in the franchise model, ” Shorty said. “It was an opportunity to not only impact the corporate space, but really also support owner operators and small business owners in communities who are really doing the work in the community that is needed.”

Shorty said his goal has always been to help others. With GVSU, Shorty hopes to drive both efficiency and success in his quest to help those in the University’s community.

“Our goal is to streamline all of the work that is happening when we think about all of the people across the University and really (be) able to bring that together in one vision,” Shorty said. “When we look at all the resources we are providing to people, we can bring them together in a way that the work is simplified.”

The new position Shorty will take on at GVSU, vice president for the Department of People, Equity and Culture, has yet to take definitive shape. He said expectations are ever-changing as he and the University seek to figure out exactly what the new department will look like going forward. Shorty said he plans to use his initial weeks in the position to absorb his surroundings and become more acquainted with GVSU as a whole.

“The day to day with an inaugural role is going to be built fluidly, as I jump into the role and really try to understand,” Shorty said. “I’m coming in with kind of a blank slate. I want to use the first 90 days to just be a learner and really understand the culture, understand the people and understand what our faculty, students, staff and community are needing from a People, Culture and Equity perspective.”

Shorty said he is optimistic that he can enact change for the betterment of GVSU and support staff and students on campus.

“I want to get across all of the (GVSU) campuses and regional centers and hear from our staff, faculty and community partners to design a plan that is meaningful and robust and that connects with all of our constituents,” Shorty said. “I really want to be able to make an impact, mostly rooted in my belief that (these students are) the next generation. These are the leaders that are going to be driving our world in the future.”

KCON will be partnering with Spectrum Health and McLaren Health Care over the course of four years to provide financial support for registered nurses coming from these organizations and applying for admission to the bachelor’s of science in nursing (RN-BSN), master’s of nursing (MSN), or doctorate of nursing practice (DNP) programs.

Janet Winter, associate dean for Undergraduate Nursing Programs, said that during the duration of the program, approximately 60 nursing degrees will be conferred. Graduates will be able to deliver culturally aligned care and leadership in providing care for medically underserved areas and populations.

The first cohort of students will begin in fall 2021, the second cohort in fall 2022, and the third cohort in fall 2023. Applications are open until August 6, 2021 for the RN-BSN program and the post-MSN DNP program. The application process for the MSN program will begin in 2023.

Not only will the program help those who are underprivileged, but it will also provide individualized student support services, Winter said.

Through the program, GVSU and KCON will provide a dedicated program Student Services Advisor with personal and professional expertise in working with students from disadvantaged backgrounds, enhance student retention plans, incorporate evidence-based practice to address social determinants of health/education in promoting academic success and coach students using evidence-based resilience approaches, Winter said. 

“The grant exemplifies a long-standing commitment that GV has with regard to diversity, equity and inclusion, community engagement and experiential learning,” Katherine Moran, associate dean for Graduate Nursing Programs, said. ” Moreover, the objectives of this grant align perfectly with the work of the university as we ReachHigher2025.”