Postsecondary Education Working Group

Purpose

The Postsecondary Education Working Group aims to increase the number of students graduating from West Michigan postsecondary education and training programs by reducing barriers to enrollment, persistence, and completion.

2024 Objectives

Purpose

The Postsecondary Education Working Group aims to increase the number of students graduating from West Michigan postsecondary education and training programs by reducing barriers to enrollment, persistence, and completion.

2024 Objectives

Leadership

President

TalentFirst

Headshot of Philomena Mantella

President

Grand Valley State University

Headshot of Rick Keyes

President & CEO

Meijer, Inc.

Membership

Alicia Cordoba
Aquinas College

Greg Elzinga
Calvin University

Katie Ferris
BDO

Patricia Harris
Kuyper College

Ken Kemper
Grace Christian University

Charles Lepper
Grand Rapids Community College

Edward Montgomery
Western Michigan University

Gerson Moreno-Riano
Cornerstone University

Rick Pappas
Davenport University

Bill Pink
Ferris State University

Jay Preston
EY

Nelson Sanchez
RoMan Manufacturing

John Sanford
Axios HR

Matthew Scogin
Hope College

John Selmon
Muskegon Community College

Connie Stewart
Montcalm Community College

Scott Ward
West Shore Community College

Related Publications

Cover of Adult Postsecondary Education in Michigan & Beyond
An overview of the state of adult postsecondary enrollment and completion in Michigan, including barriers faced by adults, promising solutions to address those barriers, and a road map for success.
This report examines the current state of adult foundational education in Michigan and provides a series of recommendations to elevate the system.
A look at the past, present, and future state of West Michigan's workforce system.

Latest Insights

Three interns, right, speak to a mentor wearing glasses in a technical/industrial setting.

Before joining Mercantile Bank a decade ago, Misti Stanton worked in education for 25 years. Today, as Mercantile’s Vice President of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion,...

Two women and two men stand in front of a banner reading MACAE. A man second from left holds an award.

Adult education — in all its forms — is a vital link to our economic and social well-being. It connects people to rewarding, good-paying jobs....

Classroom setting, man in foreground raises his hand.

TalentFirst members are at the forefront of driving improvements in Michigan’s adult education system. As employers, they recognize the critical role that adult ed plays...