Gov. Jack A. Markell signed a proclamation March 31 that recommits Delaware State University, the University of Delaware, and Delaware Technical and Community College as higher education partners in the First State.

DSU President Harry L. Williams joined University of Delaware President Patrick T. Harker and Delaware Technical & Community College President Orlando J. George, Jr. to sign the proclamation along with Gov. Markell, who held the signing event in his office in Legislative Hall in Dover.

Specifically, the proclamation calls for the three institutions of higher education to “recommit the resources and expertise of these great institutions to preserving the rich history and longstanding  tradition of academic excellence in higher education and to leveraging out institutional partnerships in ways that will support, enhance and protect the future of the state of Delaware.”

During the meeting with Gov. Markell, Dr. Williams said that the partnership between the three institutions is important. “We are facing difficult times in this country, and we feel that higher education is the answer to drive opportunity in the state,” the DSU president said.

Dr. Harker noted that the research collaboration between the institutions gives the state strong standing in science. “What the federal government is looking for is to bring research into the market,” the UD president said. “This is where Delaware is pretty well positioned.”

Dr. George noted that the articulation agreements – which allow students to go smoothly from their two-year degree program at Delaware Tech to four-year programs at DSU or UD – brings great benefits to the students of the state.

“We are working every day with people at UD and DSU to connect the pathways,” Dr. George said.