Excellence in Education

Recognizing the importance of diversity is not the only principle Dr. Coleman carries with her. Trace Dr. Coleman's lineage and the value of education emerges. Her paternal grandfather left his livelihood as a farmer to become the first in their family to go to college, paving the way for succeeding generations to build a better life. It was one of Dr. Coleman's great privileges to provide similar opportunities to the next generation of students.

"The societal benefit that flows from educating a student who is the first in the family to go to college is magnified in future generations," Dr. Coleman says. "It is enormously powerful and brings that knowledge beyond the campus and out into the world."

Having retired as president of the University of Michigan, Dr. Coleman now serves as president of the Association of American Universities during a time when funding is threatened and disruption is common within higher education. The association comprises 62 institutions that are distinguished by their research excellence — one of the many commonalities she sees between her professional work and her role as a member of Mayo Clinic's Board of Trustees.

"In my higher education career, both as a faculty member and scientist, and then moving into administration, I felt like my greatest accomplishment was that I focused on the experience students were having. We remained student-centered for the same reasons Mayo Clinic is patient-centered. Their needs should come first."