Case Study: Grand Valley State University achieves improved learner engagement and retention with Anthology (Blackboard Ultra & Ally)

Digital Transformation Builds Learner Engagement and Retention at Grand Valley State University

Grand Valley State University (GVSU), a four‑year public university in Allendale, Michigan serving 22,000+ students, faced pandemic-driven enrollment pressures and rising expectations for digital access and flexibility. To modernize its learning experience and improve engagement and retention, GVSU reviewed the LMS market and elected to continue its partnership with Anthology, adopting Blackboard (including the Ultra SaaS release) and Anthology Ally for accessibility.

Working with Anthology, GVSU upgraded to Blackboard Ultra (moving to Base Navigation in May 2022) and completed a full Ultra migration across more than 4,400 courses and 1,820 faculty within a year, rolled out Anthology Ally, assembled 120 faculty champions, and participated in the Anthology Idea Exchange and AI pilot programs. The initiative delivered a noticeably better user experience, stronger faculty adoption, native Blackboard insights to identify at‑risk students, and measurable impact — 185 Idea Exchange suggestions implemented (34 from GVSU), increased faculty hiring, and steady enrollment growth — underscoring Anthology’s role in the university’s digital transformation.

Grand Valley State University

Meagan Knoll

Senior Affiliate Faculty