Matthew Daum named dean of MSU’s College of Agriculture and Natural Resources and associate provost Following a competitive national search, Matthew Daum has been approved by the Michigan State University Board of Trustees to serve as dean of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources , or CANR, and associate provost. Daum has provided interim leadership to CANR since July 1, 2024, when he succeeded outgoing dean, Kelly Millenbah . Daum joins MSU Today to talk about his industry background...
Jul 24, 2025•17 min•Season 3Ep. 256
Uncommon Will in Action: A Record Year for a Far Better World Michigan StateUniversity has announced it raised a record $380.1 million during the fiscal year that ended June 30. MSU is also in the early stagesof its Uncommon Will. Far Better World . campaign. The public phase of the campaign was launched in March of 2025. Michigan State University President Kevin Guskiewicz and MSU Vice President for University Advancement Kim Tobin discuss fundraising’s role in MSU’s dynamic future. Conversatio...
Jul 15, 2025•19 min•Season 3Ep. 255
The Michigan State University College of Engineering has launched its new Technology Engineering program. ( TechE ) [pronounced Tech – “E”] The TechE bachelor of science degree program was developed from the ground up with extensive input from industry. It blends mechanical, electrical, and computer engineering with computer science to prepare students for modern engineering challenges in a multidisciplinary, interconnected world. Students choose from concentrations in mechatronics and embedded ...
Jul 09, 2025•17 min•Season 3Ep. 254
“MSU helps students learn to pivot, persevere, and overcome challenges.” Michigan State University Executive Director of Admissions John Ambrose talks about the challenges and issues facing higher education admissions. MSU students Ryan Weingarden and Quiana Kelly join the conversation. They talk about why they chose MSU for college, the pressure points they felt during the application and admissions process, and factors to keep in mind when choosing a college. The trio reinforces facts and disp...
Jun 25, 2025•38 min•Season 3Ep. 253
State of the State is the monthly round up of policy and research for the state of Michigan from Michigan State University’s Institute for Public Policy and Social Research ( IPPSR ). Matt Grossmann and Arnold Weinfeld from IPPSR are joined by economist Charley Ballard to discuss the latest in politics and the economy. Bryan Beverly is director of the Office of K-12 Outreach in MSU’s College of Education. He and members of the team join the conversation to talk about their work on how school dis...
Jun 17, 2025•16 min•Season 3Ep. 252
In a bold demonstration of philanthropic leadership and long-standing commitment to Michigan State University, the MSU Research Foundation has designated $75 million over the next eight years to support the university’s comprehensive campaign, Uncommon Will, Far Better World . The nonprofit foundation’s $75 million of financial support to MSU reinforces its decades-long partnership with Michigan State University, advancing research, innovation and student success through strategic funding over t...
Jun 06, 2025•12 min•Season 3Ep. 251
New Michigan State University Vice President and Director of Intercollegiate Athletics J Batt was introduced to Spartan Nation at an introductory press conference on June 4 in the Greg and Dawn Williams Lobby of the Tom Izzo Football Building on the MSU campus. Conversation Highlights : (0:00) – Opening remarks from President Guskiewicz (3:11) – President Guskiewicz introduces Tom Izzo. (8:22) – President Guskiewicz continues his remarks. (12:45) – President Guskiewicz introduces J Batt. Related...
Jun 04, 2025•35 min•Season 3Ep. 250
J Batt is Michigan State University’s new vice president and director of intercollegiate athletics. Batt’s contract and appointment as vice president and director of intercollegiate athletics will be voted on by the Board of Trustees at its June 13 meeting, he will start the week of June 16. Conversation Highlights : (0:29) - Give us a bit of your background. Your name is Jason, but you go by J? Is there a story there? (0:52) - You first met President Kevin Guskiewicz when you were a student ath...
Jun 03, 2025•12 min•Season 3Ep. 249
Eric Olmscheid is executive director of Michigan State University’s Wharton Center for Performing Arts. Olmscheid reflects on his first three years leading Wharton Center . He talks about challenges and opportunities ahead for the arts, and he describes some highlights of the center’s coming season. He shares several examples that show the center’s commitment to its education and engagement mission. He also describes how important donors are to Wharton Center’s mission. Conversation Highlights :...
May 28, 2025•18 min•Season 3Ep. 248
Michigan State University President Kevin M. Guskiewicz, Ph.D. has selected Laura Lee McIntyre as MSU’s next provost and executive vice president for academic affairs following a comprehensive, national search. As provost, McIntyre will be the chief academic officer for the university, providing leadership for academic programs and research and outreach involving faculty, students and staff. Her planned start date is August 4, 2025, and she will also serve as MSU Research Foundation Professor in...
May 21, 2025•25 min•Season 3Ep. 247
For decades, Michigan State University has been working with partners in Detroit to support the city’s economic development, advance the arts, transform schools, improve health and protect the environment. And, after a successful and illuminating trip with visits along the western Lower Peninsula of Michigan in the fall of 2024, this May, the Spartan Bus Tour headed to Detroit. Just as the inaugural Spartan Bus Tour demonstrated how Spartans are making a difference across the state, a tour of me...
May 07, 2025•53 min•Season 3Ep. 246
State of the State is the monthly round up of policy and research for the state of Michigan from Michigan State University’s Institute for Public Policy and Social Research ( IPPSR ). Matt Grossmann and Arnold Weinfeld from IPPSR are joined by economist Charley Ballard to discuss the latest in politics and the economy. MSU Supply Chain Professor Jason Miller joins the trio to discuss the trade and tariff issues dominating the news. Conversation Highlights : (1:14) – Ballard unpacks the latest nu...
May 01, 2025•33 min•Season 3Ep. 245
The next few weeks are critical, says WKAR Public Media General Manager Shawn Turner. As Congress prepares to vote on the issue of federal funding for public media, the most important voices that will influence the decisions of lawmakers are yours. Approximately $1.60 is the amount each taxpayer contributes to federal funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. That $1.60 is seed money for a national system of local public television and radio stations. Shawn Turner joins me now to expo...
Apr 30, 2025•11 min•Season 3Ep. 244
All MSU USAID programs have been cut as the federal government seeks to reshape higher education and cut what it sees as wasteful spending. At MSU, nine direct and five flow-through USAID projects were terminated , amounting to more than $20 million in funding lost. USAID is a government agency that provides international humanitarian assistance. The agency provides an array of programs and aid, some of which is done through grants given to universities for projects that provide help to countrie...
Apr 30, 2025•28 min•Season 3Ep. 243
Michigan State University Spartans Basketball Coach Tom Izzo met with the media on April 16 to discuss the state of the sport he loves and all of college athletics. Conversation Highlights : (0:00) – Tom’s opening remarks. “We’ve created a bad system, and it’s not specific to MSU. My biggest concern is that people are in the ears of the players all year. The portal is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. I’m worried about the kids; the pressure on them is enormous.” (10:24) –...
Apr 17, 2025•1 hr 3 min•Season 3Ep. 242
The Izzo family has partnered with Playmakers to host this premium experience on the campus of Michigan State University. The mission is to connect alumni and the MSU and Mid-Michigan communities in a positive celebration of Coach Izzo's legacy. The events include a 5K run/walk, 5K roll, 1/2 K walk/roll, kids' races and a virtual 5K. All events will focus on fitness, fun, family, Spartan spirit and charitable giving. Proceeds from the 2025 Izzo Run/Walk/Roll will continue to support an endowment...
Apr 07, 2025•10 min•Season 3Ep. 241
Barbara O’Brien is a Professor of Law at the MSU College of Law at Michigan State University. And she’s editor of the National Registry of Exonerations . The National Registry of Exonerations records exonerations won by exonerators such as Innocence Organizations, Conviction Integrity Units, and law school clinics. The registry captures statistics and analyzes trends, which are used by social justice advocates, legislative policymakers, legal scholars and researchers, and the media. The second w...
Apr 03, 2025•25 min•Season 3Ep. 237
State of the State is the monthly round up of policy and research for the state of Michigan from Michigan State University’s Institute for Public Policy and Social Research ( IPPSR ). Matt Grossmann and Arnold Weinfeld from IPPSR are joined by economist Charley Ballard to discuss the latest in politics and the economy. Matt is away this month. Arnold and Charley welcome MSU ecological economist Robert Richardson to this month’s episode. Richardson is interested in the study of the environment an...
Apr 03, 2025•33 min•Season 3Ep. 240
Michigan State University School of Journalism alumna and Ilitch Sports + Entertainment broadcast reporter for the Detroit Tigers and Detroit Red Wings Daniella Bruce joins me on this episode of MSU Today to share her Spartan Story. Bruce tells why she chose to attend MSU and how the university impacted her and prepared her for her career. She describes her new TV role with the Tigers and Red Wings and talks about the trend toward streaming of sports programming. She offers her advice for studen...
Mar 27, 2025•17 min•Season 3Ep. 239
Michigan State University is working toward climate neutrality by mid-century, doing its part to address the global climate crisis within our own community and on our own campus. The goal is to provide exemplary stewardship of institutional resources to foster the long-term sustainability of MSU and its high-quality education, research and outreach and engagement programs Ultimately, a desire to achieve climate neutrality. Joining MSU Vice President for Strategic Initiatives Bill Beekman on this...
Mar 26, 2025•43 min•Season 3Ep. 238
The Michigan State University College of Law is home to eight law clinics , each specializing in a public service area of the law that provides professional legal counsel to the most vulnerable people in society. Each clinic is directed by licensed attorneys who are members of the MSU Law faculty and staffed by law students who gain critical hands-on research and litigation experience. The clinics provide pro bono legal services and have won important cases for clients across the country. MSU La...
Mar 25, 2025•27 min•Season 3Ep. 236
Assistant Dean for University Advising Ebony Green and Vice President for Strategic Initiatives Bill Beekman discuss the evolution of the Student Success Pillar of the MSU 2030 Strategic Plan . Objective 1 of the theme is to strengthen MSU’s ability to attract and meet the needs, goals and aspirations of dynamic undergraduate students from all backgrounds. And a strategy is to ensure all students have high-quality academic and career advising that grows with them from admission through graduatio...
Mar 21, 2025•34 min•Season 3Ep. 235
On this episode of MSU Today we’ll examine the role of race and identity in receiving and comprehending news. We’ll do so with Michigan State University College of Communication Arts and Sciences scholars Christina Myers and Marisa Smith. Marisa Smith is an assistant professor of advertising and journalism. Through investigating the effects of political information, including disinformation, she examines the influence of race, identity, and politics on public policy support, political polarizati...
Mar 20, 2025•54 min•Season 3Ep. 234
Michigan State University professors Jason Miller, a supply chain management expert, and David Ortega, a food economics and policy expert, explain what tariffs are and discuss the significance of Trump imposing tariffs on these three nations. Conversation Highlights : (0:47) – Jason, how long have you been at MSU, and what attracted you here? (1:07) – David, how long have you been at MSU, and what attracted you here? (1:34) – David, describe your research interests. (2:37) – Jason, what are your...
Mar 13, 2025•34 min•Season 3Ep. 233
Michigan State University, which believes in the collective responsibility to support and advocate for the equitable health and well-being of students, faculty and staff, on February 19 announced that it has adopted the Okanagan Charter as a member of the U.S. Health Promoting Campuses Network , or USHPCN. “We are excited to affirm our commitment to supporting health and well-being for all MSU students, faculty and staff by formally adopting the Okanagan Charter,” said Alexis Travis, assistant p...
Mar 06, 2025•13 min•Season 3Ep. 232
State of the State is the monthly round up of policy and research for the state of Michigan from Michigan State University’s Institute for Public Policy and Social Research ( IPPSR ). Matt Grossmann and Arnold Weinfeld from IPPSR are joined by economist Charley Ballard to discuss the latest in politics and the economy. On this episode, the trio discusses the short- and long-term political and economic impacts of tariffs. Conversation Highlights : (1:08) – What are the political impacts of tariff...
Mar 06, 2025•29 min•Season 3Ep. 231
Welcome to another episode of Kevin’s Conversations on MSU Today. Kevin is Michigan State University President Kevin Guskiewicz , who joins me occasionally to elaborate on key initiatives he’s leading to guide MSU into its vibrant future. Today, Kevin welcomes the co-chairs of MSU’s Health Sciences Council. The Health Sciences Council was convened under the guidance of the Office of the President to advise and support collaboration on curriculum, interprofessional education, clinical care and th...
Feb 27, 2025•21 min•Season 3Ep. 229
Ubuntu is an ancient African word meaning “humanity to others”. It is often described as reminding us that “I am what I am because of who we all are.” It is a traditional African philosophy that emphasizes the interdependence of all people and the importance of community. Core values of Ubuntu are: Compassion : Expressing compassion for others; Reciprocity : Treating others as you would want to be treated; Dignity : Valuing the dignity of all people; Humanity : Showing humanity to others; Mutual...
Feb 26, 2025•32 min•Season 3Ep. 230
Give Green Day is MSU’s university-wide day of philanthropy featuring unique giving priorities from across campus, all geared to supporting student success. The goal is to provide an opportunity for all MSU connected programs to raise awareness for their funding needs and to encourage vital donations for their programs through outreach to alumni and friends of the university. The Michigan State University Federal Credit Union is lead sponsor for Give Green Day 2025 and, along with MSU’s O...
Feb 22, 2025•16 min•Season 3Ep. 228
John A. Hannah Distinguished Professor of Management and Psychology Quinetta Roberson and Assistant Professor of Communication Stephen Spates share their thoughts on the state and future of diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in the workplace. Conversation Highlights : (0:29) – Quinetta on her background and what brought her to MSU. (1:45) – Stephen on his background and what brought him to MSU. (3:25) – Stephen on his research interests. (5:18) – Quinetta on how her research interests ...
Feb 20, 2025•38 min•Season 3Ep. 227
