Governor Granholm Appoints Haenicke to Strategic Economic Investment and Commercialization Board

September 5, 2006

LANSING – Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today announced the appointment of Diether H. Haenicke, Ph.D. to the Strategic Economic Investment and Commercialization (SEIC) Board.  Haenicke, of Kalamazoo, is president emeritus and interim president of Western Michigan University. 

Dr. Haenicke is appointed to represent Western Michigan University for a term expiring December 31, 2006.  He succeeds Judith I. Bailey, Ph.D.

Created as an independent entity within the Michigan Strategic Fund, the SEIC Board oversees competitive grants and loans to Michigan institutions of higher education, Michigan research institutions, and Michigan nonprofit corporations for competitive edge technology projects.

This appointment is subject to Article V, Section 6 of the Michigan State Constitution of 1963.  It stands confirmed unless disapproved by the Senate within 60 days.