COLUMBUS, Ind. (AP) — Former Lt. Gov. Sue Ellspermann says she’ll focus on ways to boost Indiana’s skilled workforce as she tackles her new role as president of Ivy Tech Community College.

Ellspermann was chosen last month to head the statewide system and will step into that role July 1. She faces a daunting task at Ivy Tech, which has drawn scrutiny for low graduation rates and declining enrollment.

The (Columbus) Republic reports Ellspermann says that aside from working to boost graduation rates she’ll be focusing on what employers need in skilled workers, and work toward a system that prepares students for those jobs.

She says local employers are “begging for skilled workers.”

The 56-year-old Ellspermann stepped down in March as lieutenant governor to pursue the Ivy Tech presidency.