LANSING, Mich. – Britany Affolter-Caine, executive director of Michigan’s Research Universities for Michigan (RU4M), released the following statement in response to the 2023 State of the State address delivered by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer today:

“The Research Universities for Michigan applauds Governor Whitmer’s commitment to higher education and attracting talent to Michigan. During the governor’s State of the State address, she made clear that making Michigan an attractive place for talent to grow and thrive would be top priorities for 2023.

“Michigan’s three research institutions – Michigan State University, the University of Michigan and Wayne State University – enroll nearly 155,000 students and grant nearly 37,500 degrees each year, including nearly 13,000 degrees in high-tech areas, more than 13,500 degrees in high-demand areas such as business, computer science and engineering, and more than 2,500 medical degrees. Half of the 1.5 million living RU4M alumni live in Michigan and account for nearly $1 out of every $5 in earnings and income statewide — $48.3 billion in fiscal year 2021. RU4M alumni also founded new businesses at nearly twice the national rate, contributing to the state’s economic growth.

“Investing in our universities grows our economy, makes our communities stronger and improves the well-being of residents. By investing in our universities, Michigan can increase its competitiveness and attract and retain top companies with a strong supply of high demand talent and capacity for innovation.”

About Michigan’s Research Universities for Michigan

Michigan’s Research Universities for Michigan (RU4M) is an alliance of Michigan State University, the University of Michigan and Wayne State University and the leading engine for innovation in Michigan and the Great Lakes region. The RU4M is focused on increasing economic prosperity and connecting Michigan to the world.