Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer earned a Bachelor of Arts in communication from Michigan State University in 1993 and a law degree in 1998. Her official biography confirms both degrees. Her second term as the 49th governor ends on January 1, 2027.
What Is Gretchen Whitmer’s Bachelor’s Degree?
Gretchen Whitmer holds a Bachelor of Arts in communication from Michigan State University, awarded in 1993. She enrolled at Michigan State intending to become an ESPN broadcaster.
The official governor’s biography on michigan.gov states that she earned a bachelor’s and law degree from Michigan State University. It does not name the major or the graduation year. Those details come from other biographical sources.
What Are the Key Facts About Gretchen Whitmer’s Education?
The table below lists each credential by degree, field, institution, and year.
| Degree | Field | Institution | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Arts | Communication | Michigan State University | 1993 |
| Juris Doctor | Law | Michigan State University College of Law | 1998 |
Some sources list her law school as the Detroit College of Law, the name the school used at the time. The Michigan State University College of Law is the same institution under its current name.
What Does the Official Biography of Governor Whitmer Say?
The official biography on michigan.gov describes Gretchen Whitmer as a lifelong Michigander. It states that she works alongside 3 statewide leaders: Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist, Attorney General Dana Nessel, and Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson.
The biography states that she lives in Lansing with her husband, Dr. Marc Mallory. The Michigan National Guard’s leadership page also describes her as an attorney, educator, former prosecutor, state representative, and senator.
Where Was Gretchen Whitmer Born and Educated?
Gretchen Whitmer was born on August 23, 1971, in Lansing, Michigan. She is 55 years old. She graduated from Forest Hills Central High School before attending Michigan State University.
She is the eldest of 3 children of Richard Whitmer and Sharon “Sherry” Reisig, who were both attorneys. Her father led the state Department of Commerce under Governor William Milliken and later served as president and CEO of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan from 1988 to 2006.
Why Did Gretchen Whitmer Study Law?
An internship during college convinced Whitmer to study law. She interned for state Representative Curtis Hertel while an undergraduate. At law school, she was a member of the Michigan State Law Review.
What Was Gretchen Whitmer’s Career After Graduating?
Whitmer began her political career in 2000, when she won election to the Michigan House of Representatives. She had run unsuccessfully for the state House in the 1990s.
The table below lists her positions by office and years served.
| Office | Years |
|---|---|
| Michigan House of Representatives | 2001 to 2006 |
| Michigan Senate (23rd district) | 2006 to 2015 |
| Michigan Senate Democratic Leader | 2011 to 2015 |
| Ingham County prosecutor | 6 months in 2016 |
| Governor of Michigan | 2019 to 2027 |
She won a March 2006 special election to the state Senate, replacing Virg Bernero, who became Lansing’s mayor. She was the Senate’s first female Democratic leader. In 2016, she served as Ingham County prosecutor for 6 months.
How Did Gretchen Whitmer Become Governor?
Whitmer became governor by winning the 2018 general election and taking office in 2019. She announced her candidacy on January 3, 2017. She became the Democratic nominee on August 7, 2018, after winning all 83 counties in the primary.
She defeated Republican nominee and state Attorney General Bill Schuette on November 6, 2018. She won reelection in 2022 against Republican nominee Tudor Dixon.
The results, as reported from certified Michigan Secretary of State figures, are listed below:
- 2018: Whitmer received 53.3% and Schuette received 43.8%.
- 2022: Whitmer received 54.5% and Dixon received 43.9%.
When Does Gretchen Whitmer’s Term End?
Gretchen Whitmer’s term ends on January 1, 2027. The Michigan Constitution limits governors to two 4-year terms. She was elected in 2018 and reelected in 2022, so she cannot run again.
In November 1992, 59% of Michigan voters approved Proposal B, which created these limits. Her successor is being chosen in the November 3, 2026, election.
What Other Milestones Mark Whitmer’s Career?
Whitmer’s biography lists 4 additional milestones:
- 2013: She gave a Michigan Senate floor speech during an abortion debate in which she shared her experience of sexual assault. The speech drew national attention.
- February 2020: She delivered the Democratic response to President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address.
- October 2020: The FBI thwarted a militia group’s kidnapping plot against her.
- 2023: She was recognized by the Michigan Women’s Hall of Fame.
Who Is Gretchen Whitmer’s Family?
Gretchen Whitmer is married to Dr. Marc Mallory. Her official biography lists 2 daughters and 3 stepsons, all of whom live in or near Michigan. Her parents divorced when she was 10 years old.
People Also Ask About Gretchen Whitmer
What degree does Gretchen Whitmer have?
Gretchen Whitmer holds a Bachelor of Arts in communication and a law degree, both from Michigan State University.
Where did Gretchen Whitmer go to college?
Gretchen Whitmer attended Michigan State University in East Lansing.
When did Gretchen Whitmer graduate?
Gretchen Whitmer earned her bachelor’s degree in 1993 and her law degree in 1998.
How old is Gretchen Whitmer?
Gretchen Whitmer is 55 years old, born on August 23, 1971.
Which number governor of Michigan is Gretchen Whitmer?
Gretchen Whitmer is the 49th governor of Michigan.
When does Gretchen Whitmer’s term end?
Gretchen Whitmer’s term ends on January 1, 2027.
What Does Gretchen Whitmer’s Official Biography Say About Her Bachelor’s Degree?
Gretchen Whitmer’s official biography states that she earned a bachelor’s and law degree from Michigan State University. Other biographical sources add that the bachelor’s degree is a 1993 Bachelor of Arts in communication.