APLU Statement on Confirmation of Ted Mitchell as U.S. Under Secretary of Education

May 8, 2014– Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU) President Peter McPherson today released the following statement regarding the U.S. Senate’s confirmation of Dr. Ted Mitchell as U.S. Under Secretary of Education.

“I congratulate Dr. Mitchell on his confirmation as U.S. Under Secretary of Education. Higher education is facing a great number of significant challenges and opportunities right now and we are pleased that the administration will have a qualified leader in place to help address them.

“The Obama administration has shown a deep commitment to expanding access to higher education so that more young people from all backgrounds can earn a post-secondary degree. Public universities share that commitment and look forward to working with Under Secretary Mitchell – someone who has long focused on expanding access and quality – to help advance that goal.

“We appreciate the commitment of Secretary Arne Duncan, Acting Under Secretary Jamie Studley, Deputy Under Secretary Jeff Appel, and former Under Secretary Martha Kanter to strengthening higher education in the U.S. I look forward to building a strong relationship with Under Secretary Mitchell as we seek to advance many common objectives.”