July 17, 2006
July 17, 2006
Announces Study, Commission on County's Higher Education Needs
LANSING - Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today announced two initiatives that will help the state meet Macomb County's higher education needs: the creation of a 15-member Commission on Higher Education and Economic Growth in Macomb County; and, an independent, professional study of the county's higher education needs.
Granholm said given that higher education is the key to economic growth, it is critical to learn the extent of Macomb County's unmet needs for higher education so decisions can be made on how to best to meet those needs.
"If we want to help people in Michigan and Macomb County get 21st century jobs, we need to help more people earn college degrees," Granholm said. "No county in Michigan is taking the challenge of increasing opportunities for college more seriously than Macomb County, and the state of Michigan needs to support that effort."
Granholm said she expects both the commission and the study to conclude their work by the end of the year and that their findings will help the state shape its higher education policy and respond to the need for expanded access to higher education. While the study and commission will be independent of one another, Granholm has asked 12th District Congressman Sandy Levin to serve as the liaison between the two initiatives. She has also appointed Judge George Steeh to serve as chair of the commission.
While in Macomb County for the announcement, Granholm signed Executive Order 2006-11 creating the Commission on Higher Education and Economic Growth in Macomb County. The commission will assess the need for expanded post-secondary education opportunities in Macomb County by engaging residents in far-reaching public dialogue. The commission will hold hearings and receive public comments, and will report its findings to the Governor and State Board of Education.
Currently, only 18 percent of Macomb County residents over the age of 25 have a bachelor's degree. Granholm has set a goal of doubling the number of Michigan residents with college degrees in the next 10 years.
Macomb County is one of the three most populous counties in the country without a four-year public higher education institution within its boundaries, raising questions about whether county residents have adequate access to higher education.
Appointees to the Macomb County Commission on Higher Education and Economic Growth will serve at the pleasure of the Governor and include:
Jim Biernat of Clinton Township, assistant prosecuting attorney with the Macomb County Prosecuting Attorney's Office.
Mike DeVault of Clarkston, superintendent of Macomb Intermediate School District.
Jim Edoff of Troy, CEO of Design for Education, LLC.
Nancy Falcone-Sullivan of Washington Township, CAP coordinator for U.A.W. Region One.
Paul Gieleghem of Clinton Township, Macomb County Commissioner.
Tina Guastella of New Baltimore, mathematics teacher and student council advisor at Lakeview High School.
Albert Lorenzo of Clinton Township, president of Macomb Community College
Ida McGarrity of Mount Clemens, secretary at Greater Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church.
Robert Milewski of Washington Township, president and CEO of Mount Clemens General Hospital.
Lou Moss of Shelby Township, co-owner of Unlimited Enterprises.
Barbara Rossman of Shelby Township, president and CEO of St. Joseph's Healthcare.
Grace Shore of Macomb, president of Central Macomb County Chamber of Commerce.
Judge George Caram Steeh of Mount Clemens, United States district judge. Judge Steeh is designated chair of the commission.
