CMU Innovation and Online opens outreach hub in Saginaw

Since the 1980s, Central Michigan University has had a presence in Saginaw, part of its commitment to offer educational programs and services to students throughout the Great Lakes Bay region. Now, a new location in downtown Saginaw will offer additional ways to serve students and the community.

“The CMU Innovation and Outreach Hub will be an open front door to CMU in Saginaw,” said Betty Kirby, vice president for Innovation and Online at CMU. “It is an extension and strengthening of our commitment to the community.”

The Hub, located inside CMURC Saginaw, will serve as a base of operations for CMU staff who will meet regularly with local business and civic leaders to foster new relationships, strengthen existing partnerships, and engage CMU in community events and activities.

"CMU Innovation and Online is a strong addition to the CMURC Community. Corporations, professionals, entrepreneurs and now higher education will have a space to collaborate and engage,” said CMURC President and CEO Erin Strang. “Bringing these components together will cultivate organic relationships to make an impact in Riverfront Saginaw.”

Kirby said two primary goals of the Hub are to help organizations in the area develop innovative, customized workforce development programs, and to increase awareness and access to CMU’s flexible credit and non-credit educational opportunities.

“We look forward to working with businesses and community partners to better understand and address their needs for employee training and upskilling – all the things that will help their organizations thrive,” Kirby said. “We also want to expand access for our students living in the Saginaw area.”

Students enrolled in online courses at CMU can use CMU offices and collaborative space in the CMURC Saginaw Hub. Kirby noted that other CMU teams, including career services, admissions and alumni relations, also may use the offices for outreach and programming. 

“The Hub’s location in the heart of downtown makes it a great space for CMU stakeholders to come together for meetings, workshops and gatherings,” Kirby said. 

CMU will host a grand opening reception for the Hub Thursday, Jan. 19.