Letter to Business by Commissioner of Higher Education Sheila Stearns.

Dear Members of the Montana Business Community:

As many of you are aware, the Montana Board of Regents (MBOR) and the Montana University System are making a concerted effort to expand the university system’s role in economic development. We would like to provide you with an update on this effort and let all of you know how you can get involved if you are interested.

"Click to view the Shared Leadership Plan http://www.montanachamber.net/ws/filelib3.php?SubDir=Higher%20Education and Montana University System Work Plan http://www.montanachamber.net/ws/filelib3.php?SubDir=Higher%20Education "

(Many thanks to the Montana Chamber of Commerce for passing this along- Russ)

http://www.montanachamber.net/ws/aboutus3.php?page_id=4876

About 8 months ago, the MBOR began discussing ideas for the university system to expand its role in improving Montana’s economy. These discussions have now evolved into a process that defines timelines and benchmarks for moving this effort forward. At this point we are working hard to develop a set of action items for the MBOR to consider and prioritize at their May 2004 meeting. We are forming six teams to develop these action items, with each of the teams focused on one of the following categories:

* Access to 2-year, 4-year and advanced degree education –

Good wages and career growth in the global economy depend on advanced skills training. We must make sure ALL of our citizens have better access to higher education. In addition to other considerations, this initiative will specifically consider distance learning and need-based aid.

* Worker training –

Montana businesses increasingly need workers with specialized and customized skills. We must improve our ability to target our educational resources to provide these trained workers.

* Technology transfer –

The Montana University System is by far the single most significant generator of new technology in our state. We must ensure we have a world-class process for developing needed technology and commercializing that technology through our businesses and entrepreneurs.

* Entrepreneurship & Small Business Development –

With its research facilities, business schools, economics departments, etc., the university system is uniquely positioned to provide leadership on growing the small or start-up businesses that have historically provided the majority of new jobs in any state’s economy.

* Partners with State Government –

With its many economists, computer modeling professionals, and other experts the university system is in a unique position to provide new and innovative recommendations to state government in many areas including: budgeting, revenue forecasting, fiscal note preparation, natural resource issues and a myriad of other policy decisions facing our legislators and other policy makers.

* Generating Direct Economic Growth –

The university system plays a significant role in generating direct economic growth through the attraction of visiting faculty, research funds, non-resident students and others who all bring new money into the Montana economy. This initiative will evaluate the direct economic benefits of changing policies and priorities of the university system to increase this economic benefit for Montana.

As most of you will appreciate, each of these six areas is quite broad in scope. Over the next several months we will define specific action plan recommendations within each of these areas. Each of the six teams has already been assigned a coordinator (facilitator) and at least one point of contact within the university system. We are still compiling the additional members of each of the teams.

This effort is moving quickly. We are actively engaging members of the legislature, executive branch (Governor’s office and agency people), private-sector and, of course, the university system. During this next stage in our process we are actively looking for people who have some expertise or interest in one of these six topic areas and can dedicate time to help us develop preliminary action plans within the areas. If any of you are interested in participating, please contact Chelsi Dupler at the Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education .

Because time is short and most of you are very busy, I understand it may be difficult to dedicate time on such short notice. We would be happy to incorporate any comments you might have en lieu of physical participation. Once the MBOR has a chance to prioritize the action plans we develop, there will still be ample opportunity for you to get involved as we begin to implement the plans over the summer and into the future.

Thank you,

Sheila M. Stearns – Commissioner of Higher Education

Dave Gibson – Chief Business Officer – Montana Governors’ Office