Rob Trembath Honored with Phillip Sirotkin Award, Highest Award Given by the Midwestern Higher Education Compact

News Release

Contact: Kathy Graves, communications@mhec.org, 612-242-3184

(November 26, 2024 – Minneapolis, MN) — Rob Trembath, chief operating officer and general counsel for the Midwestern Higher Education Compact (MHEC), received the Phillip Sirotkin Award during MHEC’s annual meeting, held in Kansas November 18-20. Trembath was recognized at an event at the Dole Institute of Politics on the campus of the University of Kansas.

Sirotkin was the early visionary behind the regional higher education compact in the Midwest. MHEC established the Phillip Sirotkin Award in his honor in 1999 and periodically confers the award upon individuals who have been voted upon by the entire MHEC commission.

"Rob's unwavering dedication and exceptional service to our states and committees have been instrumental in shaping MHEC's success,” said MHEC President Susan Heegaard. “Receiving our highest award is a testament to his outstanding contributions and leadership."

In accepting the award, Trembath said, “I think if Phil Sirotkin could see what MHEC was doing today, he would be very pleased and proud and excited for MHEC’s future. I’m grateful for having worked for this organization for 28 years, and I thank the commission for selecting me for this award. It is truly a great honor.”

Trembath grew up in Nebraska and earned his bachelor's degree from the University of Nebraska, his J.D. degree from Indiana University, and his master's in public policy from the University of Minnesota’s Hubert Humphrey Institute for Public Affairs. He is a member in good standing of the Minnesota Bar.

ABOUT MHEC

One of four regional higher education compacts in the United States, MHEC brings together midwestern states to develop cost-sharing opportunities, generate collaborative solutions to challenges and opportunities in higher education, and align postsecondary education to improve individual career readiness and regional economic vitality.

Member states are Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. More information is available at www.mhec.org.

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