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WHAT I SUPPORT
WSU’s Graduation Rate
Wayne State’s graduation rate is improving at the fastest pace in the nation, currently ranking among the highest of all urban universities. This is in addition to record-setting improvement in the graduation rate among African-American students. But there is more work to be done. Wayne State is a critical economic, education and innovation pipeline that builds on the city’s assets and enhances the region’s growth.
Keeping Higher Education Affordable
Supporting Wayne State’s efforts to remain an affordable premier institution of higher learning is vital. The current economic recession in Michigan, brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, will put additional strain on Wayne State’s financial resources. I am committed to keeping Wayne State’s tuition affordable. That commitment extends to helping the university, which has the lowest tuition rate of Michigan’s three major research universities, remain Michigan’s premier urban institution of higher learning.
Supporting Students
As a first-generation Wayne State alumna, I will ensure that Wayne State remains known for welcoming first-generation students with open arms and providing the resources to keep them enrolled. Wayne State’s ability to make students feel like they belong on Day One is what makes the university emblematic of hope and opportunity.
ENDORSEMENTS

"I enthusiastically endorse Shirley Stancato and Eva Garza-Dewaelsche for Wayne State University Board of Governors. These two women have proven track records of strong leadership and the progressive values to guide the direction of Wayne State University..."
- Governor Gretchen Whitmer
"I have known and worked with Shirley for more than 25 years. She understands that very little is accomplished by flying solo; that only when people join forces for the good that powerful, long-lasting change happens. Shirley has an extraordinary ability to find the common thread of agreement woven throughout even the most disparate voices and personalities. She’s exactly what Wayne State University needs right now."
— Former Mayor Dennis Archer


"Here’s why I will vote for Shirley with great enthusiasm. I’ve known her for three decades and can’t imagine a person better suited for the Wayne State board. Her roles in civic leadership and banking have given her great insight into the needs of students, employers, families and our community. And she has helped build bridges and pathways for people to succeed throughout her life. "
— Former Detroit Managing Director of The Kresge Foundation Laura Trudeau
Other Endorsements Include:
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Michigan AFL-CIO
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United Automobile, Aerospace, and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW)
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Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters and Millwrights
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American Federation of Teachers (AFT)
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Former Mayor and Supreme Court Justice Dennis Archer
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13th Congressional District Democratic Party Organization
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MEA Democratic Educators Caucus
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EMGAGE
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Michigan Democratic Party Black Caucus
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Michigan AFSCME Council 25, AFL-CIO
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Grosse Pointe Democratic Club
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Official Democratic Black Caucus of Macomb County
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UFCW 951
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Planned Parenthood Advocates of Michigan
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Washtenaw County Democratic Party
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International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers
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Fannie Lou Hamer Political Action Committee
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South Lyon Area Democrats
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Operating Engineers 324
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Shirley's Supporters
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Juliette Okotie-Eboh
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Alice Thompson
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Melanie Meyers
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Linda Talbot
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Joyce Herron-Taylor
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Ayanna Yearby
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Cheryl Wright-Bradley