Originally posted in Tech Today on Sept.16, 2019.
Earlier this month, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer appointed Michigan Tech Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Jackie Huntoon to the Michigan Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Education Advisory Council (Mi-STEM Council).
The 11-member council was created by executive order to advise the governor, legislature, the Department of Talent and Economic Development and the Department of Education with recommendations designed to improve and promote innovation and collaboration in STEM education and prepare students for careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The council is made up of the director of the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, the Superintendent of Public Instruction, two non-voting members of the Michigan Senate, two non-voting members of the Michigan House of Representatives and nine residents appointed by the Governor.
The council is tasked with recommending measures to ensure effective communications, collaboration and joint objectives among state departments and agencies with responsibilities relating to science, technology, engineering and mathematics education.
The council is expected to develop[ a statewide strategy for delivering STEM education-related opportunities to students and objective criteria for determining preferred STEM programs, and make recommendations to the governor and the legislature. Members serve at the pleasure of the governor and are not subject to the consent of the Senate. Michigan Tech alumna Mary K. Bacon is also on the Mi-STEM Council.
Michigan Tech President Richard Koubek said Huntoon’s appointment reflects her outstanding career advancing STEM education at all levels. “We are grateful for Jackie’s leadership and know she will make significant contributions to the council.”
In 2018, Huntoon was named an inaugural member of the STEM Education Advisory Panel, overseen by the National Science Foundation, the U.S. Dept. of Education, NASA and NOAA.