Since Gaylord was centrally located in the northern Lower Peninsula, potential students from any area in the northern Lower Peninsula and the eastern Upper Peninsula would have direct and fast access to the campus. Through a consortium of colleges, universities, and technical training programs, those seeking college degrees or technical training to improve their skills could seek that education in Northern Michigan.

• In 1985 a new collaborative model for educational opportunities was formed. The "Alpine Regional Educational Center" was incorporated and two colleges began to offer classes on-campus to 22 students.
• By 1995 the Center had course offerings from one community college and four universities.
• In 2000 the college consortium grew to two community colleges and five universities and continues to provide quality education to over 1,100 individual students annually.

Due to the proven success of the consortium and the need to expand the current campus, taxpayers in Otsego County continued to support the growth of the consortium by voting for a 20-year millage to build a new state-of-the-art campus and provide operational funding for the new building. By August, a new educational facility was being constructed in Gaylord. This new building, which now houses college and university partners and a new technical training center, is called The University Center at Gaylord.

At this state-of-the-art college center, students can earn Associate, Bachelor and Master Degrees or receive advanced technical training in a variety of areas from the Technical Training Center, all on-campus. Programs are offered based on both the students' needs and the employers requests from the business and manufacturing communities of Northern Michigan. Through a seamless working relationship between all college partners, students can receive their education without the need to travel great distances.

At The University Center at Gaylord, students have access to a state-of-the-art computer learning and research laboratory. Class offerings are taught through a variety of methods such as in-class lecture, interactive television courses and Internet on-line courses. Technical training is provided "hands-on" in technical labs. Through the various colleges, students receive full career and employment services.

The mission of The University Center at Gaylord is to facilitate the delivery of quality, state-of-the-art education and training that is responsive to personal growth and business needs throughout Northern Michigan. This community driven program began in 1985 and continues to grow and meet the professional needs of students today.

The University Center at Gaylord is the place to earn your college degrees from Central Michigan University, Davenport University, Madonna University, Michigan State University, North Central Michigan College, Spring Arbor University, or Ferris State University. M-TEC at Kirtland Gaylord and business and manufacturing partners provide your technical training.