College students of all ages across Michigan will have better access to Ferris State University programs and services through enhanced partnerships with community colleges as part of a new statewide hub system.

Students at Ferris’ statewide locations can earn undergraduate and graduate degrees, certificates, teacher certifications – and more – in their backyard. That proximity especially benefits adult learners scheduling classes around home and work responsibilities.

“I am excited about this announcement of our Student Success Hubs because it brings to fruition a goal of mine from the beginning of this presidency: to better organize, better align and put into a different structure the work of Ferris State University,” Ferris President Bill Pink said. “These hubs will not only provide a different level of access for students across the state to attend Ferris State, but will also provide our faculty and academic colleges with a stronger framework for delivery of existing and future offerings. I believe this level of accessibility will provide our population of adult students with a better framework for connecting with our programs, thereby giving them a stronger level of accessibility that will lead to stronger completion opportunities. I look forward to seeing how this will transform lives in a positive way across the state.”

The enhanced hub system will be a resource for eLearning, dual-enrolled and transfer students in addition to the traditional associate, bachelor’s and master’s degree programs.

Ferris is embedded on the campuses of more than 20 community college partners. Hubs will now provide students with a streamlined, more well-rounded experience by bringing critical services closer to home.

The hub system focuses on five regions across the state, each with a Student Service Center at a centralized location. Each of the five new hubs will have a director and staff to assist with advising and other student services, such as admissions and financial aid.

“We know our students have varied needs and are at different stages of their lives,” Pink said. “We will meet them where they are. We don’t want distance to be a factor in people having access to a quality Ferris degree that can change their lives. The enhanced Ferris hubs are another example of the university being relevant and responsive to our students and their communities.” 

Pink, previously president of Grand Rapids Community College, said he witnessed firsthand how collaboration between the university and community college partners creates more opportunities for students.

The Northern Michigan center is based in Traverse City; East Michigan is based in Flint; West Michigan is based in Grand Rapids; Southeast Michigan is based in Detroit; and Southwest Michigan is based in Kalamazoo.

Ferris has partnerships with 22 Michigan community colleges. Leaders say the hubs will help traditional and nontraditional community college students will have a more seamless transition and transfer experience, continuing their education.

For more information about Ferris’ Statewide programs and opportunities, visit: https://www.ferris.edu/hubs