President Mark A. Murray joined the presidents, chancellors and leaders from Michigan's 15 public universities to discuss how education is the critical piece to our state's future. Emphasis was placed on the importance of the universities' contributions to training future leaders and providing research to create the jobs of tomorrow.
"What we do in our outstanding research facilities is create the new knowledge which will create the new economy," said Murray. "This will ensure the current economy is competitive and the new economy is being built."
Educating a skilled work force and then keeping workers in Michigan was mentioned as a key to the state's economic future. In order to achieve this, universities need financial support and cities need to create environments attractive to graduates.
Several students were recognized as an example of the quality men and women Michigan is graduating, including Grand Valley's John Leech, chair of the Association of Michigan Universities.
