Students in Davenport University’s Donald W. Maine College of Business recently took their learning beyond the classroom and onto the runway with an immersive, behind-the-scenes visit to Gerald R. Ford International Airport.

The experience was part of a strategic management capstone course and was designed to connect academic theory with real-world application. Airport Authority President and CEO Tory Richardson and Vice President of Business Development and Communications Casey Power hosted the students, who got a firsthand look at how large-scale strategic decisions are made and implemented.

Organized by Marjolijn van der Velde, professor of management, the visit complemented the students’ semester-long airline simulation project, helping them bridge the gap between classroom concepts and industry practice.

“This experience gave students a rare opportunity to see strategy in action at a major regional hub,” said van der Velde. “It deepened their understanding of long-term planning and the complexity of managing growth in a dynamic industry.”

During the visit, students explored several key aspects of airport operations and strategy:

• Strategic Planning in Action: Airport leadership shared how the airport develops long-term plans through rolling strategic outlooks from five-year plans to ones that span 20 years or more, ensuring sustainable growth and regional connectivity.
• Massive Economic Impact: Students learned about the airport’s role as a major economic driver, supporting approximately 40,000 jobs and contributing more than $7.7 billion annually to the 13-county region of West Michigan.
• Strategic Growth and Expansion: The group received an inside look at the airport’s “ELEVATE” program, which is one of the largest capital expansion efforts among small-hub airports in the United States. It includes terminal enhancements and the construction of a new Air Traffic Control Tower.

For students, the visit brought their coursework to life.

“Not only was it fun to have one last field trip in my academic career, but seeing the inner workings of a large project was very informative,” said Ashley McGavin. “As a global project management major, the visit led to increased understanding about how international projects, construction projects and the airline industry function. It gave us a clearer picture of what strategic management looks like in a complex organization.”

Students who participated in the visit included Sidney Buhland, Jacob Cashen, Brooklynn Kapenga, Thuy Le, Benjamin Logan, Ricardo Malloy, Ashley McGavin, Justin Wade, Hayley Westdorp and Alivia Woodman.

The opportunity reflects Davenport University’s commitment to experiential learning, providing students with opportunities to engage directly with industry leaders and gain insights that prepare them for future careers.