When thinking of higher education in Greater Lansing, one traditionally thinks about the big school on the banks of the Red Cedar.
Downtown Lansing, however, is quickly growing into a college hub itself. Not long after Lansing Community College began their expansion,
Davenport University announced the purchase of the 55,000 square foot, nine-story Fifth Third Bank building that will house the growing school. The $10 million investment is being made as Davenport expects enrollment to grow from 800 to 2,000 students over the next few years.
“The way the old facility was laid out, it was difficult to do some of the kinds of programs we wanted to do,” says Davenport University President Richard Pappas of the move that will add about 20,000 square feet to the school’s downtown footprint. “We intend to offer some new degree options for students.”
Work on the renovation project scheduled for completion in time for fall of 2013.
Also, a new partnership between the university and Cooley Law School will offer a dual Juris Doctor and MBA degree. The new program will begin this fall on both school’s Lansing campuses.
“This will provide more and more opportunities for student in the Lansing area,” says Pappas. “We’re moving away from associate degrees, and most of our growth has been with master’s programs.”
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