The following are brief profiles on each of 13 full members
of the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.
    

Ashland University Ashland, Ohio Founded 1878 Ashland University is a mid-sized regional teaching university, historically related to the Brethren Church. Our mission is to serve the educational needs of all students -- undergraduate and graduate, traditional and non-traditional, full and part-time -- by providing educational programs of high quality in an environment that is both challenging and supportive.

Ferris State University Big Rapids, Mich. Founded 1884 Ferris State is a career-oriented public university located in Big Rapids, Michigan. More than 170 degrees are offered through the colleges of Allied Health Sciences, Arts and Sciences, Business, Education and Human Services, Optometry, Pharmacy, and Technology.

University of Findlay Findlay, Ohio Founded 1882 The University of Findlay is a flexible, forward-looking institution that is constantly seeking ways of better serving students and the community. In today's fast-paced world, Findlay is continually adapting programs and teaching methods to meet the needs of current students in preparing them for tomorrow's careers. Education at The University of Findlay is offered in formats that accommodate students of all ages and their time-pressured lifestyles. In addition to traditional weekday classes, Findlay offers courses at night, on weekends and over the Internet. Various programs are available at a number of off-site locations across the state.

Gannon University Erie, Pa. Founded 1925 Gannon is a Catholic, Diocesan, student-centered University which provides for the holistic development of undergraduate and graduate students in the Judeo-Christian tradition. With 3,400 students, Gannon University is a private, co-educational Catholic, comprehensive university offering associate's, bachelor's, and master's degrees, certificates and doctoral degrees.

Grand Valley State University Allendale, Mich. Founded 1960 Grand Valley features a rich academic environment focusing on excellent faculty, outstanding students, hands-on research opportunities and nationally ranked graduate programs. Grand Valley offers over 200 areas of study, including 68 undergraduate majors and 22 graduate programs. A liberal arts emphasis teaches students critical thinking and problem resolution. Grand Valley's strong academic focus creates a challenging and rewarding educational experience.

Hillsdale College Hillsdale, Mich. Founded 1844 Hillsdale College is an independent, nonsectarian institution of higher learning founded in 1844 by men and women "grateful to God for the inestimable blessings" resulting from civil and religious liberty and "believing that the diffusion of learning is essential to the perpetuity of these blessings." It pursues the stated object of the founders: "to furnish all persons who wish, irrespective of nation, color, or sex, a literary and scientific education" outstanding among American colleges "and to combine with this such moral and social instruction as will best develop the minds and improve the hearts of its pupils.

Lake Superior State University Sault Ste. Marie, Mich. Founded 1946 Lake Superior State University empowers capable and responsible students in the pursuit of academic excellence. Faculty, staff, and students value rigorous education, collaborative learning, flexible and innovative programs, and a safe and supportive environment. Honoring the history and traditions of the people of Michigan and Ontario , LSSU offers a balanced education in arts, sciences, and professional studies. LSSU graduates are broadly educated for personal and professional success in a diverse and rapidly changing world.

Mercyhurst College Erie, Pa. Founded 1926 Mercyhurst College is a Catholic institution steeped in the liberal arts tradition. As a community of learning founded by the Sisters of Mercy, we are dedicated to the lifelong development of the whole person. We integrate our strong foundation in the arts and sciences with focused programs in career preparation to challenge our students to think critically, to comprehend the richness of a global community and to work for positive change.Mercyhurst holds the qualities of excellence, compassion, creativity and service to others in the highest esteem and promotes the values of truth, individual integrity, human dignity, mercy and justice.

Michigan Tech University Houghton, Mich. Founded 1885 Michigan Tech was founded in 1885 in the aftermath of the first mining boom in the US—the clamor for Michigan’s copper preceding the California Gold Rush by several years. At its outset, the college trained mining and metallurgical engineers Today, the University offers associate, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degrees in the sciences, engineering, forestry, business, computers, communication, and technology.

Northern Michigan University Marquette, Mich. Founded 1899 Northern Michigan University, by providing quality academic programs, strong student support, and extensive regional service for its stakeholders in the upper Midwest, challenges its students, faculty, staff, and alumni to strive for excellence, both inside and outside the classroom, and to become outstanding citizens and leaders.

Northwood University Midland, Mich. Founded 1959 The mission of Northwood University is to prepare qualified undergraduate and graduate learners of any age or station with the tools, skills, and intellectual capacities for productive leadership careers in a global economic network of free markets and private enterprise. The University emphasizes experiential learning and innovation at graduate and undergraduate levels for both traditional and non-traditional students.

Saginaw Valley State University University Center, Mich. Founded 1963 Saginaw Valley State University provides academic and professional programs and services for its students at the highest levels of quality and value, and be recognized as among the finest teaching universities in the United States. SVSU graduates will rise to key positions in economic, political, cultural and civic leadership and will distinguish themselves and our University through their accomplishments and service.

Wayne State University Detroit, Mich. Founded 1868 Wayne State University is Michigan's only urban research university, fulfilling a unique niche in providing access to a world-class education at a great value. Wayne State's 13 schools and colleges offer more than 350 major subject areas to our 33,000 graduate and undergraduate students.

Tiffin University (Joining in 2008-09) Tiffin, Ohio. Founded 1888 Tiffin University is proud to offer a personal and practical education for motivated, professionally focused students who want real-world experiences and results. Tiffin is a private, coeducational university located in Tiffin, Ohio, on a small but growing campus that offers students a safe, friendly place to pursue their dreams. Our vibrant 110-acre campus in north central Ohio features both historic red brick and sandstone buildings that date back to the 1880s as well as newer facilities such as the dynamic Hertzer Technology Center and The Hayes Center for the Arts.