He has long been an advocate of quality public education for all children. His  background includes leadership roles in the for-profit, non-profit and public sectors: president and CEO of the Palm Beach County (Fla.) Economic Council, director of the Michigan Department of Mental Health and special assistant for public school initiatives to former Wayne State President David Adamany from 1991-96.

\"Tom Watkins\' knowledge of K-12 education, his strong advocacy for high standards and high achievement for all students, and his experience working with education administrators and public officials at all levels will be assets for Wayne State University,\" Reid said. \"Tom brings to us a combination of abilities, background and determination that will be immensely helpful.  His work will include developing and assessing learning programs to benefit children in grades K-12 as well as initiatives to bridge students\' movement from high school into college."

The new position at WSU will be funded through a grant called the \"Exploring New Online Programs, Resources, and Services for K-12 Education\" initiative. Watkins will join the university in March. An exact date has not been set.

Wayne State University is a premier institution of higher education offering more than 350 academic programs through 12 schools and colleges to more than 33,000 students in metropolitan Detroit.