"Paul brings a record of distinguished public service and outstanding leadership to the Wayne State University Board of Governors," said Governor Engler. "Paul's leadership at Detroit Renaissance has made him a familiar figure in Southeast Michigan, and his vision of the role WSU can play makes him a terrific choice at this point in time."

Paul Hillegonds, of Plymouth, has been the president of Detroit Renaissance since 1997. In 1978, he was elected to the Michigan House of Representative from the 88th District comprising Allegan County, and re-elected to eight consecutive terms. In 1986, the same year in which he was named leader of the Republican caucus, he received his juris doctor degree from the Thomas Cooley Law School. He continued as Republican leader until 1993, when he became co-speaker of the House, serving in that capacity until 1994, then was elected speaker for the 1995-96 term.

Hillegonds is a former board member of Grand Valley State University, as well as a former board member of the Michigan Strategic Fund. He currently serves on the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) executive committee and the MEDC corporate board. He is also a member of the Michigan Nature Conservancy board of trustees. In 1995 he was an instructor in political science at Hope College. He was honored by Governing magazine as Public Official of the Year in 1994,and named Michiganian of the Year in 1996 by The Detroit News.

The board elects the president of the university, and has general supervision of Wayne State University and the control and direction of all expenditures from university funds. It enacts bylaws and regulations for the conduct of its business and for the governance of the university. In addition, it sets tuition and policy for other fees and charges, determines the compensation to be paid for service; confers degrees and sets the policy for management of gifts, grants, bequests, agreements and contracts, and leases or disposes of property.

He replaces Murray Jackson, of Detroit, who has resigned. Hillegonds is appointed for a term expiring December 31, 2004.