Garnet Lewis is currently the Associate Director for Professional Education in the College of Education at Central Michigan University.  Prior to her time at CMU, she served as President/CEO of Data & Survey Management Solutions, and before that, as Director of Institutional Research Division of Enrollment Management and Student Services at Saginaw Valley State University. Her diverse and impressive work credentials in higher education also include experience as Educational Research Consultant, Michigan Department of Rehabilitation Services for the State of Michigan; Associate Vice President for Student Services, Tarleton State University (Stephenville, Texas); and as Research Associate at The University of Texas (Arlington).

In addition to these professional qualifications, Garnet has a rich background in community involvement and social service.  Her volunteer activities include participation in "Meals on Wheels” through involvement on the Saginaw County Commission on Aging, the Saginaw Area Fireworks Committee, and the Dow Event Center Board.  Additionally, Garnet has been a member of "Sports Affects Girls' Excellence" (SAGE) Board and "Erath County Against Drug Abuse" (Stephenville, Texas).

In 2005, Garnet helped charter the Saginaw Area Democratic Club (SADC), initiating a call for members, and subsequently serving as President of the SADC.  In that capacity, she has been a force in several Get-Out-The-Vote (GOTV) campaigns in 2006 and the new Saginaw City Charter in 2007. She is an elected Democratic Precinct Delegate, serves as Corresponding Secretary for the 4th Congressional District, and as District Director for the Justice Caucus. Garnet also serves as a poll captain in the city of Saginaw and has volunteered with "Saginaw Yes!", "United Citizens for Saginaw", and "Citizens for Responsible Change."

In addition to her rich background in local and state politics, Garnet is a proud member of many important organizations, including the League of Women Voters, Emily's List, National Organization for Women (NOW), Human Rights Campaign, "Perceptions Saginaw Valley," Triangle Foundation, MoveOn.org, and Democracy for America (DFA). Garnet is also a dues-paying member and a tireless worker for both the Saginaw and Midland County and Michigan Democratic Parties.

Garnet’s educational qualifications further distinguish her as a strong candidate for 98th State House—she holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Truman State University (Kirksville, Missouri), and earned a Masters of Arts degree in Educational Administration from Northern Michigan University. In 1992, Garnet completed a Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration from the University of North Texas.

Garnet’s educational background, her professional expertise, and her service orientation uniquely suit her for political office.  The central message of the campaign addresses education, the economy, and healthcare—the three elements of a vital and growing society.  Garnet stresses that affordable higher education will ensure the vibrancy of Michigan’s future economy.

Importantly, Garnet also insists on maintaining an open, accessible, and accountable government. "It has been my personal commitment to be engaged in grassroots politics. That will continue when I am in Lansing.  I will continue my professional commitment to an open door policy by encouraging fellow citizens to come to Lansing.  I will also bring Lansing to the 98th district by holding legislative meetings here so that area residents can participate directly."

If any words characterize the spirit and the dedication of Garnet, they are those of Eboo Patel, words that form the signature line of Garnet’s email:   "Action is what separates a belief from an opinion."   And Garnet lives her motto, always supporting her beliefs with the appropriate action.

Presently a resident of Freeland (Tittabawassee Township) in Saginaw County, Garnet has extensive experience in higher education and political activism.