Monthly Archives: September 2020

(September 15, 2020 5:29 PM) Spring Arbor University has been ranked by U.S. News & World Report as a top-tier Midwest Regional University for the 12th consecutive year.   U.S. News & World Report’s 2021 “Best Colleges” rankings have Spring Arbor University ranked No. 51 among Best Regional Universities Midwest. This serves as SAU’s second-best ranking received in this report and No. 6 among institutions in Michigan. SAU was ranked in three other categories including ranked No. 11 among Regional Universities Midwest for “Top Performers on Social Mobility,” ranked No. 33 among Regional Universities Midwest in “Best Colleges for Veterans” and ranked No. 36 (No. 3 in Michigan) among Regional Universities Midwest in “Best Value.” SAU’s rankings can be attributed to its improved six-year graduation rate, a number that is based on a four-year rolling average. Additionally, SAU has welcomed an increase in the number of new students who ranked in the top 25% of their high school class. SAU President Dr. Brent Ellis believes the dedication of SAU's faculty and staff to prepare students to become global participants is reflected in the 2021 rankings. "Each semester, we aim to teach students to be lifelong learners who have both practical skills and critical thinking abilities to serve, live on purpose and make a difference in the world…

Dr. Ronald DeLap, Chair of the Engineering Department instructs a class.  Photo courtesy SAU. (September 15, 2020 4:52 PM)  Spring Arbor University today announced a new Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering program, set to begin Fall 2021. The program will join SAU’s Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering program within the university’s new Department of Engineering, which welcomed its first class of students last fall. Both programs are under the direction of Dr. Ronald DeLap, Chair of the Engineering Department at SAU. DeLap, an experienced engineer and professor, has successfully led several university-level engineering programs. The mechanical engineering program, offered to traditional undergraduate students on SAU’s Spring Arbor campus, will help fill a growing need for engineers in the U.S. economy. Built around NASA’s Engineering Design Process, the program will prepare students for their future careers by emphasizing teamwork, theory, design and project building. Furthermore, the standards and equipment in SAU’s engineering classrooms and labs are consistent with those found in professional settings. As one of only two faith-based mechanical engineering bachelor’s degree programs in Michigan, the program will allow SAU to promote both faith and a liberal arts perspective in a field that is critical in the modern…

(September 15, 2020 4:25 PM) Michigan Works! Southeast has announced Shamar Herron has been named the new Executive Director of Michigan Works! Southeast.  Mr. Herron is expected to begin his role in the next few months, as his predecessor, William Sleight is set to retire at the end of October, 2020.  “Shamar’s experience as a Michigan Works! Director and his record of achievement in workforce and economic development make him a great choice to be the next Director of Michigan Works! Southeast. His vision and leadership will be an asset to our region and our state,” said William Sleight, Director, Michigan Works! Southeast. Originally from Detroit, Shamar began his career in the life sciences and moved into Economic Development before landing in workforce as the Director of Workforce Development in Washtenaw County.  Shamar was instrumental in merging three workforce organizations in 2016 to help form Michigan Works Southeast, where he has served as Deputy Director.  His goals for the organization are greater and more meaningful partnerships, a focus on growth industries and quality customer service.     “I am honored and excited to continue moving workforce development forward in a way that sheds the spotlight onto the value our organization brings to…

(September 15, 2020 3:50 PM) Henry Ford Allegiance Health announced today the achievement of Magnet recognition as a reflection of its nursing professionalism, teamwork and superiority in patient care. The American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Magnet Recognition Program® distinguishes organizations that meet rigorous standards for nursing excellence. Only a small and select group of U.S. health care organizations have achieved Magnet recognition. “Magnet recognition provides our community with the ultimate benchmark to measure the quality of patient care,” said Wendy Boersma, DNP, Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer at Henry Ford Allegiance Health. “Achieving Magnet recognition reinforces the culture of excellence that is a cornerstone of how we serve our community. It’s also tangible evidence of our nurses’ commitment to providing the very best care to our patients, of which we are extremely proud.” Research demonstrates that Magnet recognition provides specific benefits to health care organizations and their communities, such as: Higher patient satisfaction with nurse communication, availability of help and receipt of discharge information. Lower risk of 30-day mortality and lower failure to rescue rates. Higher job satisfaction among nurses. Lower nurse reports of intentions to leave their positions. Magnet recognition is the gold standard for nursing excellence and is…