Topeka ? State Sen. Marci Francisco, D-Lawrence, has been appointed to the Midwestern Higher Education Compact.

“It’s imperative that the University of Kansas be represented, and I believe she will do a good job,” said Senate Democratic Leader Anthony Hensley, of Topeka, who appointed Francisco.

The MHEC promotes interstate cooperation and resource sharing in higher education.

In addition to Kansas, the member states are Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio and Wisconsin.

Francisco will replace Sen. Jim Barone, D-Frontenac, whose term on the compact expired, Hensley said.