CMU president pitches rural health training, new nursing degree and industry-aligned programs to subcommittee
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Summary
Central Michigan University President McKinnon told the House appropriations subcommittee the university is expanding rural-health training, launching a four‑year nursing degree and focusing on career-ready programs; he asked the subcommittee to continue base funding support.
President McKinnon, speaking to the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Higher Education and Community Colleges, urged continued state support for Central Michigan University and outlined the university’s efforts to train health professionals and workforce‑ready graduates.
McKinnon said CMU is “laser focused on preparing students for in‑demand careers,” noting the university’s role educating teachers, doctors, nurses, engineers and others and stressing that most CMU students come from Michigan and serve the state after graduation.
He highlighted CMU’s School of Medicine and its Rural Health Excellence Institute, saying 74 of Michigan’s 83 counties have at least partial designation as a health professional shortage area and that CMU’s medical program ranks among the top 20 in placing graduates in rural and underserved areas. McKinnon noted a new four‑year nursing degree launching this August and described hands‑on training offerings, including the Carle Center for Clinical Care and Education and Mobile Health Central.
McKinnon and the subcommittee also discussed CMU’s business and entrepreneurship supports—the New Venture Challenge and the Central Michigan University Research Corporation—regional hubs in Mount Pleasant, Midland, Bay City and Saginaw, and new programs including applied artificial intelligence and federally supported battery research with the U.S. Department of Defense.
He closed by asking the subcommittee to continue “generous” base funding for higher education in Michigan, emphasizing career outcomes (nearly a 95 percent career outcomes rate cited) and CMU’s statewide reach. Representative Longjohn and others asked follow‑up questions about rural health and residency expansion; McKinnon described CMU Medical Education Partners and the university’s focus on growing residency programs to retain physicians in Michigan.
Looking ahead, McKinnon said CMU is working on transfer agreements, strategic enrollment management and partnerships with community colleges to expand access.
Ending: The subcommittee did not take formal action on CMU’s request during the hearing; McKinnon thanked members for their support and said CMU would continue to provide follow‑up details as requested.