1/7/2016 - Jackson, Miss.

Commissioner of Higher Education Dr. Glenn Boyce spoke today at the Mississippi Economic Council’s annual Capital Day meeting held in Jackson. Dr. Boyce began his remarks by thanking the business community for its support of higher education in Mississippi.

“I want to thank you for your contributions and support of higher education in Mississippi,” said Dr. Boyce. “Without the business community’s support, our competitive advantage in Mississippi would be diminished.”

Dr. Boyce spoke on his passion for powerful relationships, particularly the relationship between education and business and the advantages of the strong partnerships between the two. He noted the benefits of university system partnerships with the Mississippi Economic Council, Mississippi Development Authority and the Mississippi Economic Development Council.

In addition to pledging continued responsiveness from the university system, Dr. Boyce outlined a number of recent initiatives that demonstrate this commitment, including the establishment of the Office of Business and University Relations, which grew out of recommendations made in the recent Blueprint study, and the Internship Office, which was established based on needs voiced by the business community.

Dr. Boyce also announced the upcoming Mississippi Business Engagement Network, which will provide resources for existing business leaders, economic developers and site selectors.

Describing the students in the university classrooms today as the leaders and entrepreneurs of tomorrow, Dr. Boyce said today’s students are preparing to lead, innovate and create.

“This may be our greatest generation of entrepreneurs,” said Dr. Boyce. “They will know how to adapt to economic uncertainty and rise to new levels of innovation.”

Dr. Boyce urged the business community to communicate with the university system to ensure that academic programs continue to align with evolving workforce needs.

“Strong partnerships require strong communication,” said Dr. Boyce. “I urge you to communicate with us and push us beyond expectations. If you do, everyone in this room will benefit and all Mississippians will benefit.”

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The Mississippi Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning governs the public universities in Mississippi, including Alcorn State University; Delta State University; Jackson State University; Mississippi State University including the Mississippi State University Division of Agriculture, Forestry and Veterinary Medicine; Mississippi University for Women; Mississippi Valley State University; the University of Mississippi including the University of Mississippi Medical Center; and the University of Southern Mississippi.

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