Gov. Branstad signs Executive Order 74; creates Governor’s STEM Advisory Council

State of Iowa Seal

(DES MOINES) – Gov. Terry Branstad today signed Executive Order 74, creating the Governor’s Science Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (“STEM”) Advisory Council.

“I am pleased today to sign Executive Order 74, establishing the Governor’s STEM Advisory Council,” said Branstad. “An increased focus in science, technology, engineering and math will lead to higher achievement and better career opportunities.”

The signing of Executive Order 74 followed Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds speech at the Iowa Education Summit where she said, “It’s not enough for Iowa to become the top-performing education state again. Our schools must be competitive with the top-performing school systems around the world. As the Advisory Council collaborates with the public and private sectors to promote STEM, the possibilities are promising.”

The purpose of the Advisory Council will be advising the governor on ways to improve STEM education, STEM innovation and STEM careers in the public and private sectors. The Council shall be composed of no more than 40 members appointed by the governor. Each member will serve at the pleasure of the governor without compensation and in an advisory capacity.

Gov. Branstad has asked Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds to co-chair the committee with University of Northern Iowa President, Ben Allen.

For more information, please visit www.governor.iowa.gov.