Q: Your office is in the process of creating an advocacy group called The EMU Caucus. What is its purpose and how will it help EMU strengthen relations with state lawmakers?
A: We are creating The EMU Caucus to build on what individuals connected with the University have started and developed over time. We need to make sure the mechanisms are in place that will allow us to rapidly respond if necessary whenever there is an issue of importance to the University, especially in Lansing. The idea is to have faculty, alumni, staff and students who are interested join the Caucus. Then, when something of importance is occurring in Lansing, we can engage members to send e-mails, write letters, make phone calls and, on rare occasions, take trips to lobby on behalf of EMU. We want to maintain the presence of the University in Lansing in an ongoing way. That’s important, so we don’t get lost in the higher-ed shuffle when important issues are being decided, such as who gets capital outlay dollars and how the higher ed budget is divvied up.
Q: More than a year ago, a political action committee formed to help EMU. Has Friends of EMU had an impact?
A: It has had an impact. Because of the early efforts last year, we were able, through the generosity of supporters, to raise several thousands of dollars very quickly. That has helped us throughout the past 12 months be present at events and activities being sponsored by the administration as well as key lawmakers. The Friends of EMU political action committee is an important complement to The EMU Caucus. We all understand how the system works – not just here, but anywhere in this country. Money is the fuel that motors the political machine. And there are times when we want to support important causes of key legislators. Ultimately, access is the first key to carrying out a successful legislative agenda.
Q: Michigan State Uni-versity, the University of Michigan and Wayne State University banded together this year to promote a two-tier higher-ed funding system. Is this model good for the state?
A: I would say no, especially when you consider that the other 12 universities that are excluded from that proposal (including EMU) graduate upwards of 65 percent of all students who receive a bachelor’s degree in the state. More than 80 percent of those graduates return to Michigan communities to help improve their local economies with their training and talent. Frankly, if the state of Michigan was not facing such serious budget challenges, I doubt this debate would be taking place in Lansing. If ever there was a time when institutions of higher education should be locked arm-in-arm and speaking with one voice, now is that time.
Q: When you speak with legislators in Lansing, what are they surprised to discover about Eastern Michigan?
A: For those who have taken the time to visit us, they express surprise at the “look and feel” of our campus and make special notice of its wonderful mix of historic buildings and newer facilities, such as the Student Center, the Halle library and the Convocation Center. In discussions with lawmakers, they express surprise to learn about the strength of some of the programs and degrees we offer. We all know that EMU is generally thought of as the preeminent university in producing teachers and educators in Michigan, and one of the best in the country. However, when lawmakers learn about the programs we offer in the College of Health and Human Services, especially in nursing, and the entrepreneurial programs in the College of Business, they are surprised.
Q: If you were governor of Michigan for a day, how would you better the state?
A: I would budget more money for higher education and encourage more students to pursue degrees in science, technology and math. If you read the Cherry Commission report and listen to Governor Granholm in terms of what it’s going to take to ultimately lift up this state’s economy, it’s a better-educated citizenry.
