LEO Announces New MiSTEM Network Regional Director

Position serves East Central Michigan region, covering Arenac, Bay, Clare, Gladwin, Gratiot, Isabella, Midland and Saginaw Counties

LANSING, Mich.— The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) announced today that Dr. Betsy Diegel has been named East Central Michigan regional director for the MiSTEM Network, which strives to make STEM learning more accessible across the state and position more Michigan students for career success.

“Dr. Diegel has been an innovative education leader in Michigan for many years and her expertise will help us to engage and empower more students to pursue high-wage, high-demand careers in STEM,” said Megan Schrauben, executive director of the MiSTEM Network. “As the new Region 10 director, she will lead our East Central Michigan hub to help achieve our goals of creating a vibrant STEM ecosystem that ultimately leads to a brighter future for students and a stronger Michigan workforce."

Dr. Diegel comes from Saginaw Valley State University (SVSU), where over the last seven years, she served in various capacities including her role as STEM Mobile Research Laboratory Coordinator, assisting in the creation of on campus STEM professional learning experiences for K-12 students. She received a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Saginaw Valley State University, a Master of Arts degree in Biological Sciences from Wayne State University and a Doctor of Education degree with a concentration in higher education administration from Central Michigan University.

“We are thrilled to have Dr. Betsy Diegel as our incoming regional director. She brings valuable experience and extensive expertise to provide strong leadership in STEM within the Great Lakes Bay Region,” said Dr. James Tarr, dean of the College of Education at SVSU. “Dr. Diegel is excited to cultivate strong partnerships with a wide range of stakeholders to advance STEM in our region.”

One of 16 regional hubs focused on identifying and addressing STEM education needs across the state, SVSU serves as the home for region 10, which covers Arenac, Bay, Clare, Gladwin, Gratiot, Isabella, Midland and Saginaw counties.

With support from the university, Dr. Diegel will coordinate and oversee the progress of STEM education activities in the region and align efforts with the state’s goals. She will also develop and implement common goals among the region’s stakeholders and ensure they are fairly represented and supported.

“Michigan students deserve the opportunity to engage in meaningful learning experiences that prepare them for the careers of now and of the future,” said Dr. Diegel. “I am honored to join a team of regional directors working to forge relationships between PK-12 education, higher education and industry to strengthen our state’s STEM ecosystem and position Michigan as a world leader in STEM.”

Learn more about MiSTEM and the Network at www.michigan.gov/MiSTEM.