(As prepared for delivery)

It’s wonderful to be at the University of Michigan-Flint. As you might imagine, I have deep affection for our regional campuses and everything they do for our state. I want to thank Chancellor Laurence Alexander and his leadership team for hosting us today.

I also want to applaud the continued increase in enrollment we are seeing here in Flint. It’s gratifying to know that UM-Flint is making a critical difference in people’s lives, which, in turn, benefits the community and beyond. Congratulations to the enrollment management team and everyone who contributes to making UM-Flint an attractive and life-changing destination for students.

I plan to return to Flint in early December and look forward to a more extended visit with our faculty, staff, and students.

Since we last met, the University has launched a national media campaign showcasing our Look to Michigan vision and how we work for the public good.

This is an impressive campaign that spans print, digital, audio, and social media in major markets nationwide.

We want the nation to look to Michigan as a beacon of hope. We are working to lead our fellow universities in reaffirming public trust in higher education and have a powerful story to tell.

I’d like to thank Vice President Richie Hunter and her communications team for their creativity and energy in leading this effort.

One of Richie’s colleagues from an outside organization had the perfect reaction to our campaign, saying: “Bold move, I love the swagger!”

I also want to commend Vice President Chris Kolb, who – with the Board’s approval today – will continue leading as our chief government relations official for the next five years.

I can’t imagine any previous vice president for government relations navigating such a challenging, strenuous, and uncertain time as we’ve seen in recent years.

Chris has done so with deep knowledge, patience, and good humor, and has been tremendously effective in seeing that the University continues to be well regarded in Washington, Lansing, and throughout our state.

It’s my pleasure to recommend him for reappointment.