As students across the country navigate the complex process of transferring colleges, National Transfer Student Week (October 20 – 24) shines a spotlight on the journeys behind the paperwork and recognizes students who take an alternative path to achieve their academic goals. 

At Davenport, transfer students represent a significant portion of the student body – 41% of the university’s undergraduates began their journeys elsewhere before finding their fit at Davenport. To make the process even more attractive, Davenport offers all transfer students a guaranteed transfer scholarship.

When Camden Duval graduated high school, he didn’t think college would be an option. 

“Leaving high school, I just didn’t have the best grades,” said Duval. “I thought college was out of the picture for me.” 

Duval enrolled at Grand Rapids Community College believing the best he could do was get an associate degree. That changed when he attended a career fair and learned about transfer opportunities at Davenport. 

“Alex Misiak changed the whole game for me,” said Duval. “He was a friendly face who had more confidence in me than I had in myself.” 

Misiak, a recruitment program manager for Davenport’s Colleges of Business, Technology and Urban Education, connected with Duval by phone, walking him through possible transfer options and degree paths. 

“Working with Alex allowed me to realize the best degree forward,” said Duval. “I decided to pursue a degree in finance. I then looked into jobs at Davenport and realized I could get free tuition as a fulltime employee as well.” Duval interviewed at the university and was offered a position.

Duval transferred to Davenport in early 2024 to pursue a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance and started a full-time position in Davenport’s call center, gaining valuable experience and insight into student services.

Mary Reif, his academic advisor, helped him build a degree plan that fit his timeline and personal goals, including completing his degree before his wedding. “Mary knew I was getting married,looking for an internship that would lead to a career, and that I had a strict timeline.. She helped me create a path to get there,” Duval said.

With Reif’s help, Duval was able to complete his four-year degree in just two and a half years, all while working full time.

“During my last semester I got an internship (outside of Davenport) that blossomed into a fulltime position,” said Duval. “The company knew of Davenport and its strong reputation.”

He graduated in August 2025 with a job in his field and was married three weeks later.

His advice to other students considering a transfer? 

“Be closely involved with your admissions rep. They’re there to help you get on the quickest and smoothest path,” he said. “Transferring credits was incredibly easy, and the amount of scholarship support they offer is great — even if you’re not working at Davenport. Plus, the degrees they offer are career-focused. You’re not just earning a diploma — you’re preparing for real employment.”

For more information on Davenport University’s transfer programs, visit www.davenport.edu/transfer