Partnerships with two Northern Michigan colleges will help students advance their careers

Looking to fall 2025, Kirtland's partnership with GVSU will launch a Bachelor of Applied Science and a Bachelor of Business Administration program. These new degree offerings are designed to expand career opportunities for students by offering high-demand degrees that align with industry needs.

"Kirtland is very excited to develop these growing partnerships with Grand Valley State University," said John Thiel, Kirtland's dean of Arts and Sciences. "We pride ourselves in preparing our students for careers and transfer opportunities to four-year institutions, and our strengthened ties with GVSU will increase options for Kirtland students to transfer to a huge variety of exciting majors and career fields that require at least a bachelor's degree."

Whitney Gurka is the program director for Kalkaska Memorial Health Center's Senior Life Solutions. She earned associate and bachelor's degrees in nursing, respectively, from Kirtland and GVSU. "This relationship between Kirtland and Grand Valley presents a great opportunity for future students looking to expand their education, as they can ensure that the classes they are taking locally will easily translate to their next degree," Gurka said.

For more information about GVSU programs at Kirtland Community College, contact GVSU Northern Michigan at [email protected].