Taylor Boyd joins Van Andel Institute Graduate School as director of assessment and professional development
October 11, 2021
GRAND RAPIDS, Michigan (Oct. 11, 2021) — Van Andel Institute Graduate School has welcomed Taylor Boyd as director of assessment and professional development.
Boyd began his appointment with the Graduate School Oct. 5, 2021, after previously serving as the assessment and accreditation specialist in the Office of the Provost at Grand Valley State University. In his new role at VAI, Boyd is responsible for assessing and evaluating the curriculum and co-curricular activities of the Graduate School’s five-year Ph.D. program in molecular and cellular biology. He will also help VAI faculty enhance their skills in teaching, mentoring, and monitoring student learning.
“I’m excited to join such a strong group of professionals, scientists and students who are working every day to improve human health,” said Boyd. “I look forward to contributing to the advancement and growth of the Graduate School.”
Boyd also will serve as accreditation liaison officer, where he will lead efforts to gather evidence and compile reports to the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). The Graduate School received accreditation by the HLC in 2013 and was reaffirmed in 2018.
“In this era of fast-paced scientific discovery, we recognize the importance of constantly fine-tuning our program to stay at the forefront of graduate education,” said Dr. Steven J. Triezenberg, dean of Van Andel Institute Graduate School. “We are delighted to have Taylor leading these efforts for the Graduate School.”
Boyd’s arrival at Van Andel Institute coincides with a period of strong growth for the organization. A cohort of 13 students — the Graduate School’s largest yet — arrived at the Institute this fall. The school also recently moved into newly renovated facilities at 234 Division Ave., between VAI’s flagship building and Van Andel Institute for Education at 216 Division Ave.
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ABOUT VAN ANDEL INSTITUTE
Van Andel Institute (VAI) is committed to improving the health and enhancing the lives of current and future generations through cutting edge biomedical research and innovative educational offerings. Established in Grand Rapids, Michigan, in 1996 by the Van Andel family, VAI is now home to nearly 500 scientists, educators and support staff, who work with a growing number of national and international collaborators to foster discovery. The Institute’s scientists study the origins of cancer, Parkinson’s and other diseases and translate their findings into breakthrough prevention and treatment strategies. Our educators develop inquiry-based approaches for K-12 education to help students and teachers prepare the next generation of problem-solvers, while our Graduate School offers a rigorous, research-intensive Ph.D. program in molecular and cellular biology. Learn more at vai.org.
Media Contacts
Zane McMillin
Van Andel Institute
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