GVSU - College of Education and Community Innovation

GVSU - College of Education and Community Innovation The College of Education & Community Innovation is dedicated to developing well-rounded administrato

The College of Education and Community Innovation (CECI) builds vibrant communities through scholarship, research, and collaboration. Our accomplished faculty members and staff members have a wide range of expertise in education, public service, philanthropy, human welfare, hospitality and tourism, and health administration, providing students a dynamic learning experience and empowering communiti

es with quality research and data. Students in our degree programs connect one-on-one with experienced faculty mentors to practice scholarship and gain practical experience in their desired field. Students in the college are also supported through the CECI Undergraduate Academic Advising Center to tailor their experience at Grand Valley to meet their career goals. Alumni of our programs are making meaningful contributions to their communities through out the world as law enforcement officers, social workers, public officials, nonprofit leaders, special events and hotel managers, and health administrators. Our alumni are building vibrant communities while building sustainable, professional careers.

Recently, Teacher Education hosted a Pinning Ceremony for their graduating teacher interns. More than 200 teacher intern...
05/26/2026

Recently, Teacher Education hosted a Pinning Ceremony for their graduating teacher interns. More than 200 teacher interns from Birth-Kindergarten, Elementary, Secondary, and Graduate Teacher Certification programs were recognized and presented with their apple pins, as they transition into their professional careers as educators.

Pamela Madrigal, Hadley Halterman, and Brianna Miller (Zukowski) served as student speakers for this event, each sharing thoughtful reflections and inspiring words to their fellow student body.

While Pamela Madrigal addressed her classmates, her baby, Leilani, held by Dr. Christine Kenney, cheered her mom on from the audience! Congratulations to all of our graduating interns! GVSU Education Programs

K-12 students from across the area came to the DeVos Center to showcase their outdoor projects at the annual Groundswell...
05/14/2026

K-12 students from across the area came to the DeVos Center to showcase their outdoor projects at the annual Groundswell Student Project Showcase. 27 projects were on display, all involving hands-on, community-based learning in environmental science.

The event was hosted by the Groundswell Stewardship Initiative, a coalition of partners across West Michigan that is led by CECI's Center for Educational Partnerships and provides teachers the resources they need for these real-world learning opportunities.

A great night celebrating with the hundreds of new College of Education and Community Innovation graduates! Congratulati...
05/02/2026

A great night celebrating with the hundreds of new College of Education and Community Innovation graduates! Congratulations to everyone who got their degrees Friday night and remember you are all Lakers for a Lifetime! GVSU Alumni

Looking forward to celebrating the nearly 500 CECI students who will graduate this weekend! Congratulations on all of y...
05/01/2026

Looking forward to celebrating the nearly 500 CECI students who will graduate this weekend! Congratulations on all of your hard work and dedication and we look forward to following your future success!

Congratulations to everyone who was honored at the Graduate School Citation Awards for Academic Excellence! The Graduate...
04/28/2026

Congratulations to everyone who was honored at the Graduate School Citation Awards for Academic Excellence! The Graduate School Citations for Academic Excellence recognize outstanding academic achievement of graduate students. Awards are given to students who have completed their program or are very close to completion. You can find the full list of CECI honorees at the link in the first comment.

Congratulations to our CECI students who were honored at this week's Student Awards Convocation! We're proud of all you'...
04/14/2026

Congratulations to our CECI students who were honored at this week's Student Awards Convocation! We're proud of all you've accomplished and can't wait to see what's next!

We're proud of the more than 40 CECI students and 13 faculty who took part in this year's Student Scholars Day!Student S...
04/08/2026

We're proud of the more than 40 CECI students and 13 faculty who took part in this year's Student Scholars Day!

Student Scholars Day celebrates scholarship, research, and creative work performed by GVSU students. Beginning as a single-day research symposium 30 years ago, SSD has evolved into a multi-day event that celebrates the scholarly process and showcases faculty-mentored student work.

CECI alum Kevin Polston, 2005 M.Ed. - Educational Leadership, 2020 Ed.S. - Leadership, was recently appointed to Grand V...
04/08/2026

CECI alum Kevin Polston, 2005 M.Ed. - Educational Leadership, 2020 Ed.S. - Leadership, was recently appointed to Grand Valley's Board of Trustees by Governor Gretchen Whitmer. Polston is currently the superintendent of Kentwood Public Schools, and previously worked in both the Godfrey-Lee and Grand Haven school districts. Polston's term begins January 1, 2027 and will expire December 31, 2034.

Thanks to the GVSU alumni education administrators who came back to campus to connect with more than 170 undergraduate E...
03/31/2026

Thanks to the GVSU alumni education administrators who came back to campus to connect with more than 170 undergraduate Education pre-service students as they prepare for their job searches. Superintendents, principals, and HR representatives from across the region met with soon-to-be graduates to share insights on hiring and expectations for new teachers. Hosted by the Center for Educational Partnerships (CEP) since 2003, the event is now required for students in their final semester in the College of Education and Community Innovation.

Attendees participated in small-group roundtables led by the visiting administrators, where students could show their resumes and cover letters for review and ask direct questions about the realities of the field.

A panel of returning alumni administrators closed the event, offering candid perspectives on what the teaching professional looks like now and answering thoughtful questions from the Education Alumni Network Chair, Emily Miller (Allendale Public Schools).

Overall, the event served as a strong bridge between preparation and practice for young professionals soon to receive their teaching certificate.

Address

401 W Fulton Street, 202C DeVos Center
Grand Rapids, MI
49504

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

Telephone

+16163316821

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when GVSU - College of Education and Community Innovation posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The University

Send a message to GVSU - College of Education and Community Innovation:

Shortcuts

Share

Category