Iowa State President Martin Jischke will be a part of Gov. Tom Vilsack’s “Governor’s Strategic Planning Council,” a committee whose goal is to develop a concept of what Iowa should be like in the year 2010.

The reason for the 2010 date is because “the governor believes that the kinds of things that he would like to see take place will take around 10 years to accomplish,” Jischke said.

Jischke said he believes he was asked to serve on the committee because of ISU’s initiative to become the best land-grant university in the nation.

“Iowa State has used strategic planning and it is working, so I believe that is why the governor has chosen me to serve on the committee,” he said.

There are 37 people who will be serving on the committee, including University of Iowa President Mary Sue Coleman and University of Northern Iowa President Robert D. Koob.

Jischke said he believes the two other regent presidents’ involvement also is because of their use of similar plans.

“All universities that have participated in strategic planning have had experience in using the strategic planning methods,” he said. “Secondly, universities are a very good source to have for the committee. They have plenty of resources and plenty of research that can be done there.”

Jischke also said the university presidents’ participation on the committee shows that Vilsack recognizes the importance of the regent universities.

“This proves that the governor has acknowledged experience of the faculty and staff at the universities,” he said.

Jischke said he is pleased about his appointment to the committee.

“Anytime that you are asked by the governor of any state to serve on a chosen committee, I think that anyone should take that opportunity to do so,” he said. “I think that serving on this council is quite exciting, and I am eager to participate.”

The committee’s first meeting will be held Thursday.