DETROIT (WWJ) - The University of Michigan will play a big role in President Barack Obama's Advanced Manufacturing Partnership, which he announced in Pittsburgh Friday.

The University of Michigan is one of six universities taking part in the $500 million dollar cooperative initiative that will also partner with industry and the federal government to help reposition the U.S. as a leader in cutting edge manufacturing.

University of Michigan President Mary Sue Coleman was on hand for the announcement at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh. President Coleman is thrilled that they're a part of it.

WWJ Newsradio 950's Beth Fisher spoke with President Coleman is thrilled that they're a part of it.

"What we're going to do, is share our educational materials with other institutions we have really robust curriculum now in manufacturing, and we work with other industry in the area to really get it right, so that we know what industry needs," said Coleman.

The whole idea is to jump-start the United States' global competitiveness.

"What is so important is to get the American public to understand that manufacturing is still important for this country, we need to do it and Michigan is perfectly poised to retool, not the kind of manufacturing we are used to but the advanced manufacturing to help us move forward," Coleman said.

And, she had a few moments to speak with Mr. Obama. Coleman reminded the President that they had a great time with him at commencement a couple of years ago.

The President asked Coleman if they were going to have a better football team this year?  "Yes, we are on the way up," Coleman laughed.