Granholm appoints Coleman to commission

Updated 10:00 AM July 6, 2004

Granholm appoints Coleman to commission

By Laurel Thomas Gnagey

President Mary Sue Coleman will serve as a member of the Lt. Governor's Commission on Higher Education and Economic Growth.

The group will be charged with developing a strategy for doubling the number of Michigan residents earning college degrees in an effort to prepare the skilled workforce needed to attract more business to the state. It is estimated that two-thirds of the jobs created in the next 10 years will require post-secondary education or training.

"I am pleased to represent higher education on this important commission," Coleman says. "Our fine college and university system in Michigan is critical to the state's economic well-being. Our institutions not only prepare the workforce of tomorrow, but they encourage economic growth through research and innovation—a contribution that makes us important participants in the state's revitalization plan."

Other members of the commission include lawmakers, state department directors, representatives of higher education, and business and community leaders. Former U-M Regent Phil Power, chairman of Hometown Communications, also will serve on the commission.

"From top to bottom, Michigan's economy is becoming more infused with jobs that are knowledge-based and require a higher level of technical skill than what a student can receive in high school," Gov. Jennifer Granholm said June 22 when announcing the commission membership.

"The commission will work on ideas to increase the number of students seeking a post-secondary experience—whether it is college or vocational training—because, as a state, we must instill in young people that a college education or vocational training is a life necessity," she said.

Among other issues, the commission will try to determine why only 41 percent of high school students in the state go to college or vocational school when 90 percent of them express an interest in a post-secondary education at some point in their careers. Eighteen percent graduate with a bachelor's degree within six years.

"As I have met with leaders in the higher education and business fields, I am struck by the deep, strong connection between an educated and trained workforce and our state's ability to retain and attract new jobs," Lt. Gov. John Cherry says. "Our advanced manufacturing and new technology-based businesses demand the talents of an increasingly educated workforce."

The first meeting of the commission will be July 14. In September members will hear public testimony at several locations throughout the state.

For more information or to see a list of commission members, visit http://www.michigan.gov/gov/0,1607,7-168-23442-96060--,00.html.

Granholm appoints Coleman to commission

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