WHY SERVE ON WAYNE STATE’S BOARD OF GOVERNORS

Each of our Community Colleges and Universities offer unique characteristics that enhance Michigan’s educational landscape; contributions without which we as a state would be much poorer.  My educational path ran through Macomb Community College, Grand Valley State University, and the University of Windsor. Though I do not hold a degree from Wayne State, I seek to serve on Wayne State’s Board of Governors because I believe it plays a special role in the success of our Metro Detroit area, where I have grown up and lived all my life. Wayne State makes it possible for thousands of graduates to emerge as the leaders of business, government and community life in our region. Wayne State provides a close-to-home educational opportunity for students who are the first in their families to earn a college degree, for students who must juggle work and school simultaneously, and for students who are returning to school for advanced degrees. Wayne State is a place that makes a higher education possible for everyone’s circumstance, which is why it is also imperative that we ensure affordable tuition for our students.

OUR FUTURE SUCCESS DEMANDS THE BUILDING OF PARTNERSHIPS

Creating partnerships to provide needed services and reduce costs is what all public authorities in Michigan are going to have to do if we are to rebuild our state. In my capacity as a Macomb County Board of Commissioner I have worked very closely with Wayne State to establish a stronger University presence in Macomb County. The former Macomb County Library is now home to the Wayne State Macomb Education Center and Macomb County Reference and Research Center. The partnership has expanded citizens’ ability to have advanced reference and research services, and created space for them to get a WSU degree closer to their work or home. It has created a winning venture for everyone.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT REQUIRES EVERYONE’S EFFORTS

I strongly believe that every institution in Michigan must get involved in economic development. As co-chair of Macomb County’s Planning and Economic Development Committee I witnessed the skilled and varied approach WSU takes to accomplish mutually beneficial goals. I want to work to expand Wayne’s economic development efforts and to capitalize on the University’s research strengths in the development of new knowledge-based jobs which the future of our region will depend upon.