Cynthia H. Wilbanks, who has served as the University of Michigan’s vice president for government relations for 22 years, will retire at year’s end. She shared the news with colleagues this week.
Wilbanks, a U-M alumna, directs the university’s government relations efforts at the local, state and federal levels. She also serves as special adviser to President Mark Schlissel on the development and growth of the University Research Corridor as well as non-research based external economic development activities.
Cynthia H. Wilbanks: Vice President for the Office of Government Relation
“It’s been an incredible privilege to work with the leadership of U-M, across the institution and across the state, to expand and promote the impact of this university on the people of our great state,” Wilbanks said.
“It has also been an honor to work with so many others in higher education and with those in local, state and federal government to expand the reach of U-M and to help improve the lives of state residents.”
Her responsibilities as vice president include planning and developing the institution’s response to proposed legislation, developing and maintaining effective relationships with governmental agencies and officials, and analyzing and assessing legislative, administrative and regulatory activities as they pertain to university programs, activities and operations. State outreach activities, and the Economic Growth Institute also report to her.
Nobody is immune to COVID-19, and we cannot afford to go backward.
Moving too fast without the tests we need could put Michigan at risk of a second wave of infections.
At one time, testing was limited.
Now, expanded testing is available across the state as we continue to reopen.
The State of Michigan will keep working to expand testing even further and require people who test positive to self-isolate.
The most important thing right now is to listen to the experts and follow medical science.
To avoid bringing COVID-19 home, it is especially important you get tested if:
You feel sick;
You have been in close contact with someone who is sick or has symptoms; or,
If you work outside the home.
To get tested:
Call the COVID Hotline at 888-535-6136 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, and press 1 to be connected to an operator who can help you find a nearby location and schedule an appointment; or,
Visit Michigan.gov/CoronavirusTest to find testing locations near you and schedule an appointment.
There are many locations where you can get tested at no cost to you.
