May 11, 2018

SVSU adds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in public health

The Saginaw Valley State University Board of Control approved two new degree programs during the Board’s regular meeting Friday, May 11, adding a bachelor’s degree in public health and a master’s degree in public health to the SVSU curriculum.

“We expect both the bachelor’s and the master’s degree programs to be very popular with students,” said Deborah Huntley, provost and vice president for academic affairs. “Many of our students have a genuine interest to serve others and serve their communities, and these degrees will provide additional avenues for them to do so.

“Regional employers have told us that there is considerable demand in the public health field, so we expect good job prospects for graduates of these programs.”

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects nationwide job growth of 16 percent for health educators and 9 percent job growth for epidemiologists through 2026.

SVSU faculty ratified the new degree programs in public health on February 22. SVSU will begin enrolling new students for these programs for the fall 2018 semester.

The Board also approved spending up to $3 million on a variety of energy conservation projects. Once fully implemented, SVSU expects to see more than $500,000 in annual utility savings.

Examples of future projects approved include upgrades to heating and cooling systems, and moving to LED lighting for building interiors.

In other action, the Board:

•                     Passed a resolution to congratulate the 2017-18 men’s track and field team, which qualified for the NCAA Division II championships.

•                     Elected Board officers for 2018-19: Jenee Velasquez, chair; John Kunitzer, vice chair, Dennis Durco, secretary; and Vicki Rupp, treasurer. Each will continue the officer role held for 2017-18.

•                     Passed a resolution to grant undergraduate and graduate degrees.

•                     Granted emeritus status to Charles Pelzer, who served on the SVSU biology faculty for 46 years.

•                     Reauthorized four public school academies: Branch Line School, Pontiac Academy for Excellence, Saginaw Preparatory Academy and Waterford Montessori Academy.

•                     Approved a revised easement with Consumers Energy.

•                     Reappointed accounting firm Andrews Hooper Pavlik to serve as university auditors.

•                     Established the Board’s meeting schedule for 2018-19.