LWVKA 2008 MSU Board of Trustees

Candidates were asked to summarize their backgrounds in 75 words and were allotted 75 words to answer each question. If the candidate did not reply by the required date for publication, the words, “Did not respond in time for publication” appear under the candidate’s name.

1. What role should this university play in the economic development of the state of Michigan?

2. Given the current economic climate, what measures will you support to make education more affordable for students and their parents without sacrificing quality?

3. What is the most important issue facing this public university today and what is your position on that issue?

Lisa Bouchard
Republican

Lisa Bouchard holds a B.A. in Accounting from MSU. Under her direction and leadership as President and CEO of Dickson Associates, the company expanded its services and revenue grew from $500,000 to more than $20 million annually. Inc. magazine listed the business as 85th out of the 500 fastest growing privately held companies nationwide. Ranked 3rd amongst the fastest growing privately held companies in Michigan, Dickson Associates was also recognized as one of the Future….

1. The research conducted by MSU will act as an impetus to the recovery of our state’s economy. In 2007, Michigan’s three big research universities added 69,285 jobs to the economy and had a $13.3 billion impact. MSU is a leader in the development of biofuel technologies. Agriculture is the second largest industry in the state, the auto industry is the largest; the development of new clean alternative energy sources will drive our state’s turnaround.

2. I can provide the experience needed to efficiently manage existing resources and the vision needed to generate innovative and resourceful solutions to the Universities’ budget crisis. My background in business has taught me the very simple lesson that in order to have a successful enterprise, you must keep your expenses low and you must keep your revenue high. I will work to discover new revenue streams for the university.

3. The biggest challenge facing MSU is a lack of adequate financial support from the state. The state of Michigan currently ranks 49th, second to last, in allocating state funds for higher education. The percentage of per student funds acquired through the state has steadily declined, requiring the university to continually raise tuition rates in order to keep on budget. I believe tuition needs to remain affordable for Michigan’s families. If state funding will not be….

George Scott Romney
Republican

Born and raised in Michigan. Graduate of Michigan State University. Graduate of Harvard Law School. Law Partner at Honigman Miller Schwartz and Cohn LLP. Serves on the boards of Detroit Area Council of Boy Scouts of America, New Detroit, MSU College of Law. On the MSU Board of Trustees since 1999. Married to wife Ellen. Has seven children. Scott helped his father run for Governor in 1962.

1. We must ensure that we are providing the best educational opportunities in the world, right here in Michigan, so job providers will want to locate here in Michigan. I am proud that MSU is one of the Top 100 Universities in the world. I am committed to making certain that we continue to provide an excellent education for Michigan students, an education which is practical and permits them to become engaged in productive careers upon …

2. I have been proud of my role in making certain that tuition is as inexpensive as possible under the circumstances. Michigan State University receives a combined total of $14,000 per student in state funding and tuition. This compares to $22,000 per student at U of M. Even in this environment, we have been able to provide increased financial aid so that Michigan residents have access to this great university.

3. In the future I anticipate there will be tough decisions affecting: tuition; the continuing decline in revenue from the state of Michigan (thirty years ago the state provided 60% of our revenue, we now receive less than 40% of our revenue from the state); replacing many of our committed professors who are reaching retirement age; and assuring that the right people of quality and commitment and are entrusted with the future of our youth.

Dianne Byrum
Democrat

I am a small business owner with more than 20 years’ experience in retail. In 2007, I started an advocacy communications and public relations firm. I served eight years as a state Representative and eight years as a state Senator, finishing my legislative career as the first woman to lead a legislative caucus. I am married, have two adult children and two grandchildren. I have a B.S. degree from MSU College of Agriculture.

1. MSU is one of three research universities in our state and Michigan’s only land grant college. MSU is well-positioned to be a significant partner with the state in economic development. MSU’s expertise in health care, the bio-economy, physics, engineering, food safety and animal health—to name just a few fields—makes it a powerful partner in the effort to strengthen Michigan’s economy.

2. I will focus on increasing student loan programs, increase university efficiencies in administrative areas, and build coalitions to secure additional state funding. Higher education funding is a major challenge for Michigan universities in this tough economic climate. We must give our citizens the tools to get a strong education and quality training because our economy depends on a well-prepared workforce. We must invest in higher education and we must have leadership committed to this goal.

3. MSU’s two largest challenges are: funding for higher education, and strategic decisions to position MSU as a leader in economic growth areas. Secure funding is critical to maintain rigorous academic programs that prepare students for 21st century jobs. Strategic decisions made by the Board in partnership with the state and major industries will govern MSU’s land grant mission and influence its position as a leader in research and the transfer of technology into the economy.

Diann Woodard
Democrat
Did not respond in time for publication

David A. Brown
Libertarian
Did not respond in time for publication

Joseph Rosenquist
Libertarian

I am an alumnus of MSU with a BS degree in mechanical engineering. I have been a software developer for over 20 years. I currently am employed in Detroit and live in Birmingham. I will bring that extensive experience in the private sector to work to improve MSU as a member of the Board of Trustees.

1. MSU plays a critical role in the economic development of Michigan. It will fulfill that role by providing a high quality education for more Michigan residents than any other university in the state. It will also improve the economy by performing cutting edge research in partnership with other universities and with the private sector wherever possible.

2. MSU has made great progress in private fundraising and growing the endowment. That must continue. The endowment must be used to keep tuition and fee increases to a minimum. It also can be used to provide more scholarships to help reduce overall costs. MSU must look at outsourcing functions not are not core, such as cleaning, maintenance, and residence hall operations. MSU must look at cutting staff, majors and departments if necessary.

3. The Michigan taxpayer is tapped out. Taxes have soared and incomes have dropped in the worst economy since the early 80s. The old model of begging for more money from the state is finished. MSU must continue its already outstanding growth in fundraising and change how it operates. The main product—undergraduate education—must grow stronger through an improved core curriculum so MSU graduates can successfully cope with accelerating change in the economy and society.

Robert Gale
US Taxpayers
Did not respond in time for publication

Crystal Van Sickle
US Taxpayers

I have been a resident of Michigan for 29 years and currently reside in Wellston, MI. Born and raised on the island of Oahu, Hawaii and a graduate of Waianae High School in 1977. I received my BA in Business Administration with a minor in Accounting from Siena Heights University in 1990. I am married with a total of eight children in addition to seven grandchildren.

1. The role this university should play in the economic development of Michigan is to provide the most highly qualified individuals to meet the current, future and emerging markets. The university must be attuned to meet the needs of an ever-changing economy.

2. Given the current economic climate, all non-educational expenses need to be examined to determine appropriate measure to reduce them. Work closely with facility and staff to integrate cost saving technologies into the daily educational processes.

3. The most important issue facing any university is the lack of academically prepared students coming from the public sector. Increase enrollment standards requiring that all students possess the necessary skills in mathematics, reading, writing and science.

Therese Marie Storm
Green
Did not respond in time for publication