Lt. Governor's Commission on Higher Education and Economic Growth

Governor Jennifer M. Granholm created the Lt. Governor's Commission on Higher Education and Economic Growth, chaired by Lt. Governor John D. Cherry Jr., in June 2004. The commission, composed of 40 members including university and college presidents, lawmakers, state department directors, and other individuals representing business, labor, recent college graduates, skilled trades, and K–12 education, was charged with the task of developing a plan to double the number of Michigan residents who obtain college degrees and other valuable credentials.

Governor Granholm created the commission, by executive order with the purpose of exploring the ways in which Michigan can strengthen its commitment to education and economic growth. Attention was focused on how Michigan can double the number of new college graduates within the state over the next ten years. Members of the commission also addressed the falloff in terms of students who express an interest in attending college, but then do not go.

The Commission on Higher Education and Economic Growth was dedicated to discovering how Michigan can ensure that the state’s colleges and universities provide Michigan’s residents with the general and specific skills necessary to embrace the jobs of the 21st century.

Michigan’s higher education system is the foundation for the state to build a strong and thriving economy. The commission looked at ways to strengthen the state’s colleges and universities to ensure that Michigan is able to maximize the ways in which these valuable assets connect with economic growth.

The jobs of the 21st century demand a postsecondary education. Michigan must respond to these demands by providing an educated and trained workforce. Individuals will not only have the skills and the comprehension necessary to succeed but will be able to attain economic security in the new knowledge-based and technology-driven economy.

“As I have met with leaders in the higher education and business fields, I am struck by the deep, strong connection between an educated and trained workforce and our state’s ability to retain and attract new jobs,” Cherry said. “Our advanced manufacturing and new technology-based businesses demand the talents of an increasingly educated workforce,” he added.

Michigan currently is threatened by a “skills gap.” Today, fewer than 22 percent of Michigan adults hold college degrees of any kind. This figure puts Michigan 2 percent below the national average and 5 to 10 percent below states that are leading the nation in terms of both education attainment and economic growth. Only 14 states are below Michigan in this vital measure. The skills gap for young workers of Michigan is of particular concern. Only 34 percent of our citizens aged 25–34 have obtained a college degree.

“The commission will work to find innovative and concrete solutions to address the skills gap. It is our intention to provide a solid, long-term vision for our state’s economic stability. We are committed to fostering an educated, tech-savvy, and knowledge-ready workforce in Michigan,” Cherry added.

The commission held an organizational meeting on Wednesday, July 14, 2004, to begin its work. The commission members then met in smaller work groups over the course of the summer to divide up issues of importance for further discussion. In September, the commission met as a whole and hearings to accept public testimony were held around the state.