LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) — Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced on May 23 that Beverly Walker-Griffea, former president of Mott Community College, will head the newly established Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP). This appointment comes as part of Whitmer’s broader strategy to enhance educational opportunities across the state, from early childhood through higher education.

Image Credit: Office of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer

Walker-Griffea’s appointment is effective June 24, pending Senate approval. She marked a milestone when she became the first woman and African American to lead Mott Community College in Flint. Before her tenure at Mott, Walker-Griffea held leadership roles at various colleges across Maryland, Virginia, Texas, and Washington.

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Governor Whitmer expressed confidence in Walker-Griffea’s ability to lead MiLEAP.

“Her long record of leadership and excellence in the education space will help her deliver on MiLEAP’s mission of expanding pre-K and higher education and lowering costs for students and families,” Whitmer said in a statement.

Walker-Griffea, a native of Oklahoma, has roots in the Flint community, serving on numerous boards and commissions. She also holds a position on the executive committee of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.

“This is an exciting opportunity for me to use my education and experiences to improve Michigan’s workforce talent outcomes,” Walker-Griffea said in a statement. “I look forward to creating more pathways that prepare Michiganders with postsecondary credentials that lead to family-sustaining jobs.”

The creation of MiLEAP, announced by Governor Whitmer last July, seeks to revolutionize the structure of Michigan’s educational system. By consolidating the management of early childhood education, higher education, and education partnerships—which were previously overseen by the Michigan Department of Education—MiLEAP aims to provide a more unified and efficient educational framework. 

This reorganization aligns various educational stages under one umbrella to better serve students and families.