Dr. Beverly Walker-Griffea was appointed the director of the Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP). She is taking on the role from acting director Michelle Richard, who will stay in the department in a leadership role. The appointment is effective June 24, 2024, and is subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Dr. Walker-Griffea:
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- Currently, she is the president of Mott Community College (MCC) where she is the first female and first African American president in the college’s history. She’s been in this role since 2014.
- Prior to joining MCC, she served as senior vice president for student services at Montgomery College in Maryland; dean of student development at Houston Community College-Central Campus; and interim dean of health and environmental science at Spokane Community College.
- She holds a Doctor of Philosophy in child development from Texas Woman’s University, a Master of Education in guidance and counseling from Virginia State University, and a Bachelor of Science in radio, television, and film from Oklahoma State University.
MiLEAP:
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- Established by executive order in December 2023.
- It’s tasked with improving outcomes from preschool through postsecondary so anyone can ‘make it in Michigan’ with a solid education and a path to a good-paying job.
- The department oversees several early learning, higher education, and education partnership
