Michigan College Access Network honored Ferris State University President Bill Pink with its Lighthouse Award for the university’s work connecting with students of all ages across the state through regional Success Hubs.

The organization highlighted 13 people and organizations last week at its 2023 College Access Impact Awards, recognizing efforts to expand college access and attainment in Michigan.

Pink is the first recipient of the award, presented to an institution leader or a college or university that has been exemplary in advancing innovative ways to expand access, build critical relationships in the region, and support student persistence and completion.

“I am honored at being recognized by an organization that I have greatly respected since being here in Michigan,” Pink said as he accepted the award. “This recognition is reflective of the many colleagues I’ve worked with who are focused on students and their success and well-being. I am nothing without great people to work with.”

Pink is in his second year at Ferris State after guiding Grand Rapids Community College for five years. Ferris State this year announced the launch of Student Success Hubs across Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, providing students with a streamlined, more well-rounded experience by bringing critical services closer to home.

The Success Hubs will be located in Grand Rapids, Traverse City, the Kalamazoo area, Flint and Detroit. The university is partnering with 20 community college partners, and the hubs will work to advance Ferris State’s mission of education opportunities for all.

MCAN was established in 2010 to support students looking to connect with a life-changing college education. The organization’s 2023 conference was based on the theme “The Time is Now: All in for Attainment,” reaffirming MCAN’s commitment to helping Michigan reach 60 percent college attainment by 2030.

“The College Access Impact Awards honor the individuals and organizations who have made extraordinary efforts to improve postsecondary attainment in Michigan, especially among low-income students, first-generation college-going students and students of color,” said Ryan Fewins-Bliss, MCAN executive director. “The award winners play a crucial role in helping us reach Sixty by 30 through their dedicated efforts to improve college readiness, participation, and completion within their communities and across the state. By working to build inclusive college-going cultures, these award winners are helping create a brighter economic future for Michigan’s students.”

MCAN has recognized more than 100 people and organizations since these awards began in 2015.