Gov. Whitmer appoints Dean Laura Dinehart to statewide literacy council
KALAMAZOO, Mich.—Dr. Laura Dinehart, dean of Western Michigan University’s College of Education and Human Development, has been appointed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to the Every Child Reads Champions Council, a new statewide advisory body charged with helping strengthen Michigan’s literacy efforts and ensuring every child develops the skills to become a strong reader, writer and communicator.
Dinehart is one of three members appointed by the governor from Michigan’s lifelong education sector specifically for their expertise in the science of reading. Her four-year term began Sept. 3, 2026, and runs through Sept. 2, 2030.
Dr. Dinehart’s appointment is a tremendous recognition of both her leadership and the expertise she brings to the important work of advancing literacy. Her deep understanding of early learning, literacy and educator preparation makes her an important voice in this statewide conversation. We’re excited to see Dean Dinehart bring that perspective to the council and help advance work that will benefit students, educators and communities throughout Michigan.
The appointment builds on Dinehart’s long-standing commitment to early learning and literacy, through both her academic career and her work in the Kalamazoo community. In addition to serving as dean, Dinehart is a professor of early childhood education.
Locally, she serves on the board of the Kalamazoo Literacy Council and in 2024 was named honorary chair of the organization’s Everyone Needs to Read annual campaign.
The new statewide role gives Dinehart an opportunity to bring that experience and perspective to Michigan’s broader literacy efforts.
Created by executive order earlier this year, the Every Child Reads Champions Council brings together leaders from education, business, philanthropy, nonprofit organizations, government and communities across Michigan. Members will help champion literacy efforts, advise state leaders and support implementation of Michigan’s Every Child Reads strategy.
“Every kid deserves the chance to become a strong reader and writer,” Whitmer said in announcing the appointments. The governor emphasized that improving literacy outcomes requires a sustained statewide effort and collaboration among leaders representing communities and sectors across Michigan.
Michigan’s Every Child Reads strategy centers on three priorities: providing strong early starts for learners, using proven and evidence-based methods for literacy instruction, and offering additional support to students who need it. The state’s fiscal year 2027 budget includes $502 million in literacy investments spanning early learning, educator training and support, tutoring, out-of-school programming, and adult education.
The council’s work closely aligns with both Dinehart’s own academic background and the College of Education and Human Development’s broader commitment to preparing educators and strengthening learning outcomes in communities across Michigan. Under Dinehart’s leadership, that work has continued to earn national recognition; Western’s online graduate education programs, for example, rank No. 45 in the nation and No. 2 in Michigan.
Dinehart’s appointment now brings that combination of research, educator preparation and community engagement to the statewide level, giving Western Michigan University a voice in conversations about how evidence-based practices and partnerships can improve literacy outcomes for Michigan children.
The Every Child Reads Champions Council is housed within the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential and will help Michigan continue building on its statewide literacy efforts.
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