UM-Flint chancellor appointed to state Education Trust Board of Directors by governor

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has appointed Laurence Alexander, chancellor of the University of Michigan-Flint, to the Michigan Education Trust Board of Directors.

MET is a prepaid tuition savings program that allows families to pay for future education costs at today's prices. The board is responsible for policy development, investment initiatives, program development and implementation. MET directors also serve as an advisory board for the Michigan Education Savings Program.  

"I am honored by this appointment and grateful to Governor Whitmer for the confidence she has placed in me," said Alexander. "The work of the Michigan Education Trust Board plays a vital role in expanding access to higher education for families across our state. I look forward to serving alongside my colleagues on the board as we help shape policies and programs that support Michigan students and their families in achieving their academic and career goals. It's a privilege to be part of a shared commitment to building a stronger, more equitable future for all Michiganders."

Alexander has been appointed to represent the presidents of state institutions of higher education for a term commencing July 10, 2025, and expiring Dec. 31, 2027. He succeeds Brock Tessman, former president of Northern Michigan University. 

Alexander's appointment is subject to the advice and consent of the Michigan Senate.   

Alexander arrived at UM-Flint after serving 11 years as chancellor of the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff and brings more than 30 years of combined professional and academic experience as a university leader, administrator, distinguished professor, First Amendment scholar, attorney, and journalist. 

In 2022, then-President Joe Biden appointed Alexander to chair the Board for International Food and Agricultural Development, a seven-member advisory board that ensured the U.S. Agency for International Development brought the assets of American universities to bear on development challenges in agriculture and food security and supported their representation in USAID programming.

A native of New Orleans, Alexander earned a bachelor's degree from the University of New Orleans, a master's degree in journalism and communications from the University of Florida, a Juris Doctor from Tulane University, and a Ph.D. in higher education from Florida State University.

Alexander's appointment came as part of a wave of board and commission appointments announced by Whitmer, including to the Michigan Workforce Development Board; MEDC Executive Committee; Natural Resources Commission; Michigan Indigent Defense Commission; Michigan Truck Safety Commission; Michigan Board of Dentistry; Michigan Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee; Michigan Interagency Council on Homelessness; Public Health Advisory Council; Electronic Recording Commission; Farm Produce Insurance Authority; Michigan Wheat Promotion Committee; Commission on Services to the Aging; Michigan Municipal Services Authority Executive Committee; Michigan Wildlife Council; Michigan Board of Real Estate Brokers and Salespersons; Michigan Board of Counseling; Michigan Board of Accountancy; Electrical Administrative Board; Commission on Middle Eastern American Affairs; Michigan Corn Marketing Program Committee; Michigan Potato Industry Commission; Mental Health Diversion Council; State Fire Safety Board; and Michigan Board of Nursing.