During a meeting on Friday, Feb. 21, the Board of Trustees (BOT) discussed educational and social initiatives affecting Grand Valley State University and the surrounding community. The agenda featured the approval of four new degree programs, school initiatives and addressed spreading concerns regarding the state of higher education.

Trustees discussed the development of new courses, majors and programs, and brought attention to systematic and technological commitments in the University’s future. The BOT also touched on societal and political forces pressuring higher education institutions; however, some attendees wished to see more direct conclusions on that front.

The new degree programs, expected to be released for the Fall 2025 semester, include a bachelor’s and master’s in artificial intelligence and software engineering. These programs were co-designed with input from industry partners during the College of Computing’s August brainstorming sessions to ensure courses align with real-world, industry needs. 

According to an article published on the School of Computing’s website, the AI and software engineering programs will provide students with cutting-edge skills in the fields and make GVSU a leader in computing education.

The AI program features training in robotics, human-AI interaction, computer vision, natural language processing and cybersecurity, with a strong emphasis on ethical AI and human-centered design. Students will have the opportunity to specialize in AI systems, cybersecurity and artificial intelligence, edge and cloud artificial intelligence and human-centered artificial intelligence.

The software engineering program will allow students to gain hands-on experience with technologies such as AI, cybersecurity, Internet of Things (IoT), cloud computing, data analytics, virtual reality and embedded systems. Learning such skills would help ensure graduates have the expertise needed to build reliable, efficient and cost-effective software systems.

The BOT also approved three motions for charter schools in the area. These included the authorization of a new Montessori school, the renewal of seven existing charter schools and the reappointment of school board members.

President Philomena Mantella also took the time to address uncertainty in educational and political climates. Despite national ambiguity, she acknowledged GVSU maintains a responsibility to support students’ development in an educational environment. 

“In a world full of uncertainty, there is a certainty in our strength,” Mantella said. “We will turn tensions and the unpredictable winds of change into an ability to unleash GVSU value, GVSU people and our ability to adapt without distraction from our own personal mission.” 

GVSU Professor Andrew Spear spoke to the BOT during the meeting’s public comment portion, reflecting on Mantella’s speech. He was able to find parallels between his sentiment and ideas conveyed by Mantella, a sign that, to him, was “very encouraging.”

Spear claimed all universities are currently facing pressure and hostility, which ultimately affects students’ education. He warned against the threat of short-term thinking and unchecked leadership, restating that the University’s foundational goals uphold education.

Spear drew connections from literature written by Hannah Arendt, a German-Jewish intellectual, author and refugee, relaying dubiety in the future of education. He recited a quote from Arendt’s 1954 work “The Crisis in Education.” 

“To preserve the world against the morality of its creators and inhabitants it must be constantly set anew,” Spear recited. “Education is the point at which we decide whether we love the world enough to assume responsibility for it, and by the same token, save it from that ruin, which, except for renewal, except for the coming of the new and young, would be inevitable.”

Spear said it’s natural to make compromises in the face of adversity. However, he added that such compromises shouldn’t sacrifice integral values of educational institutions.

“Compromise can go too far if it distorts or undermines our mission (at GVSU),” Spear said.