Bay Mills Community College awarded $9 million gift 

What’s happening: Bay Mills Community College, one of the Upper Peninsula’s smallest institutes of higher learning, has received its largest donation ever: a $9 million unrestricted donation from the MacKenzie Scott Foundation. College President Dr. Duane Bedell called the contribution “extraordinary” and “transformative,” saying it will open new opportunities for students and strengthen the communities the tribal college serves. 

Continued growth: The community college, a public tribal land-grant community college in Brimley, has steadily increased its student count on campus and online, providing educational opportunities for more than 50 tribal communities across the country. In the last five years, the college has expanded its bachelor’s degree offerings to include business administration, computer information, and early childhood education. The college also offers associate degrees and certificate programs.

The college has also maintained the Upper Peninsula’s competitive college standards, recognized as an “Opportunity College and University” from the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education.  

What they’re saying: “This generous gift from the McKenzie Scott Foundation marks a powerful moment for Bay Mills Community College. It strengthens our ability to expand the facilities and enhance the programming that supports our students, our families, and our future. Most importantly, it reflects the investment Ms. Scott places in the values our Tribal Nation has always held including investing in education, fostering community, and honoring our responsibility to future generations,” said Whitney Gravelle, Bay Mills Indian Community president and BMIC board chair.