Grand Valley State University

Grand Valley State University (GVSU) is a public liberal arts university located in Allendale, Michigan, United States. The university was established in 1960, and its main campus is situated on 1,280 acres (5.2 km2) approximately 12 miles (19 km) west of Grand Rapids. Classes are also offered at the university’s growing Pew Campus in Downtown Grand Rapids, Meijer Campus in Holland, and through centers at Muskegon and Traverse City established in cooperation with local community colleges.

GVSU is a comprehensive coeducational university serving more than 24,540 students as of fall 2010, from all 83 Michigan counties and dozens of other states and foreign countries. It is one of America’s 100 largest universities in terms of enrollment and employs more than 1,960 people with about 835 regular full-time faculty and 1,129 support staff. The university currently has alumni residing in all 50 U.S. states, Canada, and many countries around the world. As of the 2010-2011 academic year, GVSU has been recognized as a top producer of Fulbright Scholars by the Chronicle of Higher Education.

In 1958 a study commissioned by the Michigan Legislature demonstrated a need for a four-year college in the Grand Rapids area, Michigan’s second largest metropolitan region. Local businessman Bill Seidman created a committee to study the report and spearhead the planning and promotion to create such an institution. In the following year the Michigan Legislature established the college. A naming contest was held, and out of 2500 submissions, “Grand Valley State College” was chosen. Private donations, including $350,000 to purchase land and $1,000,000 for construction, were secured from 5,000 individuals, organizations, and business throughout West Michigan.

Library
The University libraries offer opportunities for research, collaboration, and individual study. Collectively, the libraries subscribe to over 53,000 print and electronic journals. They also house more than 506,000 books in print and more than 507,000 electronic books.

Courses Offered

• Undergraduate Programs
• Graduate programs

Colleges

• F.E. Seidman College of Business
• College of Community and Public Services
• College of Education
• College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
• Seymour and Esther Padnos College of Engineering and Computing
• College of Health Professions
• Kirkhof College of Nursing
• Brooks College of Interdisciplinary Studies

Contact Details
Grand Valley State University
1 Campus Drive
Allendale, MI 49401-9403
USA – (616) 331-5000
Official Website: http://www.gvsu.edu/