Winona State University President Judith Ramaley has been appointed to a 17-member task force to guide Innovation America, a new initiative of the National Governors Association.

Led by Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty and Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano, the task force brings together a bipartisan group of governors and academic and business leaders to oversee efforts to strengthen the competitive position of the United States in the global economy.

Task force members will share examples of best practices; provide a “tool box” of effective policies and strategies; and create new science and math academies to improve student achievement and grow a workforce in emerging occupations.
 
“To maximize our strengths in this increasingly global environment, governors must partner with the business and academic communities to ensure state policies complement and reinforce private sector innovation,” said Napolitano.

The task force will also host regional learning labs and workshops to help improve education in the areas of science, technology, engineering and math, with an equal focus not just on what students are expected to learn but also on how knowledge is transferred in our classrooms and into local economies.

“The work of this task force will be critical to ensuring every state—and our nation—is equipped to excel in the global economy,” said Pawlenty.

“I am happy to be immersed in the latest and best thinking about how to create regions of innovation built on a strong educational base,” said Ramaley.

“Our experience as a community of learners improving our world is paying off as we join a national conversation that will shape our shared future."