Expectations
By Glenn Mroz '74, President
Michigan Technological University
In the report A Test Of Leadership: Charting the Future of Higher Education, Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings has noted that higher education has never been more important, but as a nation we face challenges in access, affordability, and accountability.
Spellings' commission was made up of leaders in education, business, and foundations, and the report reiterated that graduates educated in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) and research and development, are key to leading the next wave of American innovation, ensuring our economic and strategic future.
In essence, this report argues for national higher education priorities that match Michigan Tech's. More than 83 percent of our graduates are in STEM fields. At a time when oppressive college debt is making headlines, only 53 percent of our graduates have debt upon graduation, an average of $13,587—the 17th lowest among national universities! And when it comes to accountability, our students earn degrees that are in demand—last year, a record 400-plus employers visited campus to recruit our students into internships, co-op's, and jobs upon graduation.
Michigan Tech is committed to educating students so that they are prepared to create the future. This means delivering distinctive educational programs grounded in scholarship, creative research, and innovation.
As this edition of Michigan Tech Magazine hits the presses, we are graduating the class of 2007. We know these students are well prepared. We're proud of them. And we know that they will do great things because we have a culture—passed on to us by our alumni—that not only makes inspiration and innovation possible; it is expected.
Glenn D. Mroz
President