Sept. 30, 2024
Ferris State President Pink tells business leaders at Crain’s event that partnerships make communities stronger
Partnerships with local industries help keep communities economically strong and provide career pathways for students that keep them close to home in Michigan, Ferris State University President Bill Pink told business leaders.
Pink joined Grand Valley State University President Philomena V. Mantella and Grand Rapids Community College President Charles Lepper at a Crain’s Power Breakfast on Higher Education event at Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park, talking about the role higher education plays in building a talented workforce.
Pink said colleges need to be closely aligned with employers to be sure students are graduating with relevant skills that lead to rewarding careers. One way to do that is for companies to have students gaining experience as interns and apprentices prior to commencement.
“If we in higher ed are not focused on how we partner with our industries, we’re missing out, and our relevance will drop - if not die,” he said. “We need to be having those conversations with industry and say, ‘What is it that we can be doing for you?’ It may be something we are doing right now. It may be something we need to build. Either way, we need to be in the discussion.”
Pink was appointed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to co-chair the higher education subgroup of her Growing Michigan Together Council, charged with developing a long-term vision that addresses current and future challenges and sets Michigan up for success in the 21st Century.
He noted that 92 percent of Ferris State graduates remain in Michigan, staying close to home and families, but also using their skills with state employers.
“I want to up that to 98 or 99 percent,” he said. “And the way you do that is not necessarily so complicated. You get them connected with companies before they are done.”
Pink noted that about 300 companies participate in the university’s career fair, and about 1,000 students attend.
“It’s a really cool event because not only are those companies coming looking to hire folks, but they’re also looking for interns,” he said. “For many of those companies, the people they send are Bulldog graduates themselves. They know the quality of the education and they are coming back to the university. We call it Bulldogs hiring Bulldogs. And that to us is huge in terms of not only connecting students before they’re done, but making sure those connections are made so those students are already engaged with a great company.”
Pink said it is also important for the university to partner with community colleges. Ferris State has a strong relationship with GRCC – and others – where students can earn both an associate degree then a bachelor’s degree.
“I don’t think I’ve seen another time in my career where I’ve seen the value proposition of higher education is questioned at a level where it is being questioned today,” Pink said. “We have to continue to tell the story and help everyone understand the value proposition of higher education and tell the stories of the people who have come through our doors, graduated and gone on to do great things.”
The Power Breakfast in a series hosted by Crain’s Grand Rapids. The quarterly event features panels, discussions and award ceremonies aimed at the West Michigan business community.
Crain’s recently named Pink a Notable Black Leader in West Michigan.