JEFFERSON CITY — State Sen. David Pearce, R-Warrensburg, was recognized for his leadership as commission chair of the Midwestern Higher Education Compact (MHEC) during the commission’s semi-annual meeting, which was held this week in St. Louis. Sen. Pearce’s chairmanship began last November (2015-16). Previously, he served as the Compact’s vice-chair (2014-15) and one term as treasurer (2013-14).
One of four regional higher education compacts in the United States, MHEC is a nonprofit regional organization that assists its 12 member states in advancing higher education through interstate cooperation and resource sharing.
“Sen. Pearce’s leadership has been especially important during these past few years as MHEC has taken on new initiatives, and the organization’s work has expanded. His commitment to not just his home state of Missouri, but all the states in the Compact, has helped improve MHEC’s impact on member states,” said Larry Isaak, MHEC president. “He made a significant effort to participate in nine of our state visits.”
Sen. Pearce was initially appointed an MHEC commissioner in 2003 while he was a Missouri state representative; he was reappointed in 2010 and has since been reappointed in 2011, 2013 and 2015.
“I have truly enjoyed my time as commissioner chair this past year,” stated Sen. Pearce. “I am very proud of the work that MHEC has done, and continues to do, to further higher education in the Midwest.”
In addition to Sen. Pearce, current Missouri MHEC Commissioners include: Representative Allen Andrews, Missouri General Assembly; Dr. Kenneth Dobbins, president emeritus, Southeast Missouri State University; Dr. John McGuire, leadership coach, Achieving the Dream; and Mr. Mark W. Smith, associate vice chancellor and director of career planning and placement, Washington University in St. Louis. Ms. Zora Mulligan, commissioner of higher education, Missouri Department of Higher Education serves as a commissioner alternate.
MHEC seeks to fulfill its interstate mission through programs that expand postsecondary opportunity and success; promote innovative approaches to improving institutional and system productivity; improve affordability to students and states; and enhance connectivity between higher education and the workplace. Wisconsin has been a member state since 1994; additionally the Compact serves Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio and South Dakota.