The Michigan College Access Network (MCAN) recently honored Wayne State University with the Fleet Award during their 2020 College Access Impact Awards.
The College Access Impact Awards are traditionally given out during MCAN’s annual conference, which was canceled this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The theme of this year’s conference was to be “10 and Counting,” recapping the past 10 years of MCAN’s work and looking ahead to the next 10 years.
“Michigan College Access Network does the important work of advocating for and supporting all students in their pursuit to obtain a post-secondary degree,” said Interim Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Laurie M. Lauzon Clabo. “Wayne State University endeavors to support students throughout their journey toward a four-year college degree and produce graduates who are ready to do the work in their chosen field. Most of these graduates will stay in Michigan and contribute greatly to our own workforce and economy.”
According to a statement released by MCAN, the fleet award recognizes an individual or organization that has significantly contributed to the college access field outside the walls of K-12 institutions. Throughout the past few years, Wayne State has actively demonstrated a commitment to postsecondary attainment with programs like the Warrior Way Back and the Heart of Detroit Tuition Pledge. Wayne State is continually focused on outcomes and creative partnerships and has supported the work of MCAN for several years.
Associate Vice President of Enrollment Management Dawn Medley accepted the award on behalf of the university at a virtual award ceremony held on Nov. 23. Introducing the award was MCAN’s Executive Director, Ryan Fewins-Bliss. In his introduction, Fewins-Bliss placed importance on the award being the culmination of a body of work exemplifying a long-time commitment to college access.
“We are thrilled to receive the fleet award,” said Medley “MCAN has been a great partner in driving our own mission in Enrollment Management at WSU to provide equitable college access for all students — especially students of color, first-generation college students and low-income students. We look forward to continuing our partnership with MCAN as we all work toward the statewide postsecondary attainment goal of 60% by 2030.”
Watch the award presentation: