Davenport University and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan solidified an educational partnership with a signing agreement at the Blue Cross headquarters in Detroit. Leaders of both organizations gathered for the July 21, 2025, event that brought focus to the Corporate Education Scholarship opportunities provided by the university to employees of the health insurance company and their family members. 

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan’s employees can now take advantage of the Davenport scholarships, which provide up to $8,000 per year to employees and up to $6,500 per year to spouses and children to the age of 29. 

“We’re proud to collaborate with an organization like Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan that values the professional growth of its employees,” said Davenport President Richard J. Pappas, Ed.D. “At Davenport, we’re committed to bridging the talent gap and creating meaningful career opportunities. We’re also committed to building a strong and lasting partnership with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan.”

Pappas was joined at the signing ceremony by Executive Director of Davenport’s Institute of Professional Excellence (IPEx) Daniel Rundhaug, Ph.D., President and CEO of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Tricia Keith and Senior Vice President Chief Talent Officer Laura Byars, Ph.D.

The goal of Davenport’s Corporate Education Scholarship Program is to create opportunities for companies to invest in the professional development of employees. It helps with talent retention and is an investment in the future. 

“This partnership reflects our deep commitment to helping employees grow in every part of their lives,” Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan President and CEO Tricia A. Keith said. “By working with Davenport, we’ve opened doors to opportunity — for our workforce and for the communities that count on us.”

Employees and their family members who take advantage of the Corporate Education Scholarship agreement with Blue Cross and enroll at Davenport will be able to choose from flexible programs for learners to earn degrees or certificates in more than 100 areas. Many courses are offered online, and Davenport offers 7-week and 15-week semesters.