Gov. Granholm Urges New Commission to Meet Challenge of Higher Education
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Governor Jennifer M. Granholm
Governor Jennifer M. Granholm says Michigan must meet competition in educational achievement from other countries in the global competition for jobs.
In opening remarks recently to the Lieutenant Governor's Commission on Higher Education and Economic Growth, the governor said:
"The global economy will not wait for us to adapt - we must adapt to it or watch it pass us by. Increasing the educational attainment of our workforce is a social and economic imperative if we are to create new jobs and grow the economy in our state."
Granholm said the Commission's goal is to double the only 22 percent of Michigan citizens who now have a post-secondary degree or certificate.
"To compete in a global economy, a post-secondary degree or certificate is no longer an option - it's essential," said the governor.
There are no Bay County representatives on the Commission. Area representatives are Leola Wilson, trustee of the Saginaw Intermediate School District; State Rep. Sandra Caul and Gail Torreano, president of SBC Michigan, both of Mt. Pleasant.
Lt. Gov. John D. Cherry Jr., Commission chair, said Michigan's economy is undergoing a structural shift that focuses moreon technology and knowledge-based jobs, making it crucial that citizens continue their education beyond high school.
"Our need for strong backs is being replaced by our need for strong minds," Cherry said. "This Commission will focus on preparing students for college, making sure they complete their degrees, and how we can maximize the impact of a highly educated workforce on our economy."
Two-thirds of the jobs created in the next 10 years will require post-secondary education or training. The Commission's work is imperative to the state's economic well-being, Cherry said.
"Doubling the percentage of citizens with a post-secondary education will drive our state to higher levels of economic growth," Cherry said. "Today's jobs require more knowledge and skill than the jobs of 30 years ago. It is critical to our state's future that students enroll in college, finish their program, and enter their career field in Michigan."
Four work groups thatwill study issue areas during the remainder of the summer. The workgroup chairs are:
• Mary Sue Coleman of Ann Arbor, president of the University of Michigan, will lead the group studying Maximizing Economic Benefits.
• Daniel DeGrow of Port Huron, superintendent of the St. Clair County Intermediate School District, will lead the group studying Increasing Degree Completion.
• Debbie Dingell of Dearborn, vice chair of the GM Foundation and executive director of Governmentand Community Relations, will lead the group studying Improving Preparation.
• Paul Massaron of Southfield, owner of PEM Consulting, will lead the group studying Expanding Participation.
Work groups will meet over the next several weeks, and the Commission will begin statewide public hearings in September.###
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