HOUGHTON – Michigan Technological University has entered
into a community health partnership with the Portage Health Foundation. The
partnership combines both organizations’ missions, existing strengths and
financial resources to create a collaboration focused on improving the health
of the community.
Michigan Tech President Glenn Mroz announced the partnership
at the University’s Board of Trustees meeting on Thursday.
“This partnership is the product of a shared vision,” said
Mroz. “It leverages the strengths of the University and the Portage Health
Foundation for the benefit of everyone who lives here. It will improve health
care and create jobs. It will have a strong, positive impact on the community.”
The partnership will include three endowed professorships at
Michigan Tech, health research, and health scholarships, internships and
fellowships. Portage Health Foundation will invest $2.5 million over five
years, with the University investing approximately twice that amount.
“We believe this partnership will contribute to a
sustainable community of health, wellness, education and economic growth,” said
Kevin Store, executive director of the Portage Health Foundation. “This is a
collective investment in the community and its residents. It is a partnership
that we believe will have long-term benefits for the people of our region.”
In other action, the Board
Welcomed new Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs
Jackie Huntoon, who was appointed to her new position in July. She had
been dean of the Michigan Tech Graduate School.
Heard a report that funds raised by the Michigan Tech Fund
during the fiscal year that ended June 30 totaled $33.7 million, exceeding the
goal by more than $1 million.
Learned that grants and industry-sponsored research
during the 2015 fiscal year that ended June 30 totaled $58.7 million, more than
$10 million higher than FY 2014.
Recognized two University employees for their years of
service. Thomas Snyder has worked for Michigan Tech for 38 years. Brian Aho has
36 years of service.
Granted professor emeritus rank to Thomas Snyder from the
Department of Biological Sciences.
Voted to grant an honorary Doctor of Philosophy degree to
alumnus -Townsend H. Porter Jr., who will be Tech’s December 2015 Commencement
speaker. Porter worked for more than 30 years at IBM and was responsible for
approximately 20 inventions that were eventually patented, including the 3.5
inch floppy disk that became the industry standard.
Appointed two new faculty members with tenure.
Made committee assignments and appointment to the Michigan
Tech Fund Board of Directors.
Heard a report on the outlook for fall enrollment, which
includes a predicted 28.3 percent female students and a projected retention
rate of 86.3 percent.
The next scheduled Board of Trustees meeting is Oct. 16,
2015.
