SAGINAW, Mich. — Central Michigan University’s College of Medicine announced Wednesday that it has received two landmark $40 million gifts from Covenant HealthCare and MyMichigan Health, the largest philanthropic commitments in the university’s history. The combined $80 million investment launches CMU’s “Advancing Health Together” initiative and paves the way for a new medical education building in Saginaw.
CMU President Neil MacKinnon said the partnership represents a united commitment to addressing both the region’s health care challenges and long-term economic needs.
“We are thrilled to announce this extraordinary collaboration that brings two of our state’s most respected health care systems together with our university to strengthen medical education, enhance the medical student experience, improve patient outcomes and expand healthcare access here in the Great Lakes Bay Region,” MacKinnon said. “This tremendous partnership will have a positive effect on lives and communities for generations to come.”
Under the agreement, the College of Medicine will adopt a new name — the Covenant HealthCare College of Medicine at Central Michigan University — and relocate to a new home within the CMU MyMichigan Health Medical Education Building on MyMichigan Health’s Saginaw campus.
Health systems cite longstanding commitment to training future providers
Leaders from both health systems said the initiative strengthens the medical talent pipeline needed across Michigan.
Covenant HealthCare President and CEO Beth Charlton said the gift reflects decades of investment in medical training.
“Meeting our mission of extraordinary care for every generation starts with supporting education and training for the next generation of extraordinary physicians,” Charlton said. “Individuals and families across the Great Lakes Bay Region are experiencing an increasingly critical need for well-educated medical professionals.”
MyMichigan Health President and CEO Dr. Lydia Watson said the collaboration builds on more than a decade of partnership with CMU’s medical school.
“This next chapter will not only help grow the volume of health care providers but also continue to pave the way for a future where health care is more accessible, equitable, and effective for all,” Watson said.
Addressing statewide physician shortages
The investment comes as Michigan faces significant gaps in healthcare access, especially in rural and underserved communities. Currently, 74 of Michigan’s 83 counties hold at least a partial designation as health professional shortage areas.
“The need for a strong, community-oriented medical education program and physician pipeline has never been greater,” MacKinnon said.
Established in 2010, CMU’s College of Medicine grew rapidly, doubling its class size from 60 to more than 100 students per year. First- and second-year students attend class in Mount Pleasant while third- and fourth-year students complete clinical education in Saginaw — a split model that has presented challenges.
Dr. Tina Thompson, interim dean of the College of Medicine, said consolidating students in one location will improve educational outcomes.
“Bringing the majority of our medical students together into a single geographic area will provide greater opportunities for peer-to-peer mentoring and student engagement,” Thompson said.
New Saginaw-based medical campus part of Medical Diamond project
The new medical school facility will be part of the Medical Diamond, a growing healthcare hub along Saginaw’s riverfront that aims to become the state’s third major bioscience center and the only one in northern Michigan. The project includes multiple healthcare partners and a planned public riverfront park.
With the gifts secured, CMU will begin designing its new education building and hopes to break ground in 2026 while continuing to fundraise toward its $100 million goal.
Broader impact for CMU and the region
Consolidating medical education in Saginaw will open space for expanded health programs on CMU’s Mount Pleasant campus, including its new four-year nursing program.
“CMU, Covenant HealthCare and MyMichigan Health have a shared commitment to improving the lives of patients and strengthening the communities we serve,” MacKinnon said. “This unique, collaborative partnership is a perfect alignment of our missions and visions.”
According to the university, CMU’s College of Medicine is one of the nation’s top programs for producing physicians who serve in rural and underserved areas. The school receives more than 7,000 applications annually for 104 seats and has achieved a 100% residency match rate for two consecutive years.
Approximately half of CMU’s medical graduates choose to practice in Michigan.
About the participating organizations
Covenant HealthCare, the largest employer in Saginaw County, provides a comprehensive continuum of care and was named one of Michigan’s “Best Regional Hospitals” by U.S. News & World Report in 2025.
MyMichigan Health, headquartered in Midland, operates medical centers across 26 counties and employs more than 10,500 people. The system provided more than $243 million in community benefits in fiscal year 2025.
Both organizations have longstanding roles as teaching hospitals and clinical training sites for CMU medical students.
More information about the Advancing Health Together initiative is available through CMU, Covenant HealthCare and MyMichigan Health.
