Gov. James McGreevey named President Tilghman a chair of Prosperity New Jersey yesterday. The decision to select Tilghman for the project — which aims to improve the economy through partnerships with non-corporate organizations — reflected a shift toward focusing on the links between education and business, McGreevey said.
"Education is economic development," he said in a statement.
"What we do in our schools today directly impacts our business climate and our ability to attract good jobs for our people tomorrow."
Tilghman expressed satisfaction with McGreevey's decision.
"I am pleased to have been asked to co-chair Prosperity New Jersey and to work with institutions of higher education throughout the state to develop more effective relationships with business, with state government and with our local communities to help meet the demands of a changing economy," she said in a statement.
McGreevey asked Tilghman to serve because he believed she would contribute in important ways to the project's work, said Richard Lee, a spokesman for the governor.
"The governor is elevating the role that education plays in Prosperity New Jersey, and he felt that Dr. Tilghman would be an excellent choice," he said. "She's the president of one of the premier educational institutions in the nation. He feels that she has the experience to do the job."
Tilghman said in an interview that the "fundamental thrust" of Prosperity New Jersey is to ensure that the state has a workforce that can sustain continued economic growth.
"It's about really understanding what the work-force needs to be so that New Jersey can continue to attract new businesses and keep the businesses it has," said Tilghman. "That means [focusing attention on] everything from high schools and perhaps middle schools . . . and moving through higher education," Tilghman said.
Since the state's economy relies increasingly on the success of pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, Tilghman said it is important that discussions on improving the capabilities of the workforce focus on the role of education.
"We are one of the major institutions in the state, and I thought it was important that we have a voice in helping the state essentially continue to grow its economy, especially the part of the economy that requires an educated workforce," she said.
Tilghman said her dual role as educator and scientist will aid her in her new position.
As an educator, Tilghman said she has "a reasonable idea of what is realistic, what is required, what works and what doesn't work from an educational perspective."
As a scientist, she said she has "a reasonably good sense of what it takes to move innovative ideas that arrive in the educational arena . . . into the private sector."
Also chairing the project are Secretary William Watley, representing the government view, and Sarnoff Corp. president and chief executive James Carnes, who contributes the business perspective.
Adam Pechter will serve as president and chief executive of Prosperity New Jersey and will coordinate its daily activities.
Read More
David Zielenziger ’74, former ‘Prince’ chairman and lifelong journalist, passes away at 72
Kian PetlinFriends and colleagues remember former ‘Prince’ chairman David Zielenziger ’74, who passed away peacefully on May 20.
Friends and colleagues remember former ‘Prince’ chairman David Zielenziger ’74 who passed away peacefully on May 20.
Remembering Dorothea von Moltke, Labyrinth co-founder and local community builder
Lucia BrownDorothea von Moltke, widely considered the heart of Labyrinth Books, was remembered by friends and loved ones for her passions for language, literature, and local activism.
Dorothea von Moltke, widely considered the heart of Labyrinth Books, was remembered by friends and loved ones for her passions for language, literature, and local activism.
Cloister Inn to pause operations for the next 2–3 years, citing “hefty renovations”
Justus WilhoitCloister Inn, one of Princeton’s eating clubs, will pause operations for the next two to three years, due to “hefty renovations” to the club’s house.
Cloister Inn, one of Princeton’s eating clubs, will pause operations for the next two to three years, due to “hefty renovations” to the club’s house.