Michael A. Boulus, Michigan education official, has been appointed executive director of The Presidents Council, State Universities of Michigan, effective Jan. 20.

Wayne State University President Irvin D. Reid, who chairs the Council, made the announcement following a meeting of the board representing Michigan's 15 public universities.

"Michael's extensive leadership experience and background in education offer to the Council resources that will move us forward while advancing higher education in Michigan," Reid said. "We are confident in his abilities as we face the challenging issues of higher education that will come before us."

Prior to this appointment, Boulus served as deputy treasurer for education in Michigan's Department of Treasury overseeing the Bureau of Student Financial Assistance, the Michigan School Bond Loan Program, the state educational assessment program for K-12 education and the Michigan Merit Award.

Boulus was also managing director of a Web-based company providing education and government services; former executive director of the Middle Cities Education Association and deputy executive director of the Michigan Association of School Administrators. He is founder and president of

Michigan Schools Energy Cooperative and has been an adjunct professor in Michigan State University's College of Education.

Boulus holds a doctoral degree from Michigan State University, a master's degree from Eastern Michigan University and a bachelor's degree from the University of Notre Dame. He serves on several education task forces and committees and is the recipient of several awards, including the National Leadership Award for Educational Leadership, 1999, in recognition of his contributions to the improvement of American education.

The Presidents Council, State Universities of Michigan, serves as a forum for the presidents and chancellors of Michigan's 15 public universities to discuss and frame positions on key higher education finance and policy issues. Overall direction of the Council is provided by the chief executive officers of the state's public universities.

The presidents and chancellors deliberate on a wide range of topics having potential implications for higher education. An extensive committee structure of representatives from each campus gives attention to specific agenda issues and, selectively, provides recommendations for consideration by the presidents and chancellors.

For further information about the Presidents Council, State Universities of Michigan, visit the Web site at http://www.pcsum.org/index.html or contact the Lansing offices: E-mail: questions@pcsum.org Phone: (517) 482-1563.