spartans

A game-changing gift to Michigan State University’s Broad College of Business seeks to address the gender gap and propel women graduates into the C-suite.

The gift, from Priya Balasubramaniam (MBA ’01), establishes the Dashney Women’s Leadership Accelerator, or DWLA, to equip dozens of students each year with the abilities and confidence to pursue professional leadership positions. With long-term mentoring, coaching, workshops, and experiential learning opportunities, the DWLA provides a powerful, immersive experience for select undergraduates.

Balasubramaniam, vice president of operations at Apple Inc., says the unwavering support she received from Dashney was her driving inspiration to pay it forward. Whether it meant knowing she had someone who cared or having a sounding board to provide meaningful guidance when facing professional challenges, she found Dashney’s mentorship immensely helpful.

Dashney talks about the vision and mission of DWLA with two members of the inaugural cohort of DWLA Scholars, Abigail Peck, and Khadija Kapuswala.

Conversation Highlights:

(0:38) – What’s the vision and mission of DWLA?

(2:15) – Tell us about Priya and your relationship with her?

(5:19) – Helen, introduce us to DWLA Scholars Abigail and Khadija.

(6:12) – Abby introduces herself.

(7:40) – Khadija introduces herself.

(8:57) – Khadija on what attracted her to DWLA.

(10:17) – Abby on what she’s getting from DWLA.

(11:10) – Helen, how do you work with the students?

(13:24) – Khadija and Abby share advice for future scholars.

(15:39) – The inaugural DWLA event is on March 8.

(18:18) – The first group of DWLA Scholars is laying the foundation for the accelerator.

Listen to “MSU Today with Russ White” on the radio and through Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your shows.

Michigan State University interim president Teresa K. Woodruff elaborates on topics she covers in her February 2024 Spartan Community Letter, which you can read by clicking on the communications tab at president.msu.edu. 

In her letter, President Woodruff looks back on shared accomplishments as she moves into a new role of service to the university.

(0:58) - Upon your appointment as interim president of Michigan State University 16 months ago, you asked us to join you in looking upward and reaching high. You talked about bringing “stagility” to the campus and on being a transformative leader in a time of transition. How are you reflecting as you prepare to hand the reigns of the university over to Kevin Guskiewicz?

(1:46) - You write that student success is our prime mission. What do we mean by student success at MSU and what are some of the ways we’re making progress?

(4:38) - A key theme in MSU Strategic Plan 2030 is discovery, creativity, and innovation for excellence and global impact. MSU’s research enterprise grew by $84.8 million in 2023 to a total of $844 million. That robust growth comes on top of a $49 million rise the prior year and puts us on a great trajectory to reach our strategic goal of $1 billion in annual research outlays by 2030. 

(7:11) - The health and safety of students, faculty, and staff remain a top priority. This includes the leadership of people like Chief Safety Officer Marlon Lynch and the additions of Dr. Alexis Travis as vice provost and executive director of our new University Health and Wellbeing division, and Laura Rugless to lead our Office of Civil Rights and Title 9 Education and Compliance.  

(9:04) - How are we doing on diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives? And the new free-standing multicultural center is rising in the heart of campus.

(10:49) - You often say that our talented and dedicated employees are MSU’s greatest asset. What are some ways we’re making MSU a great place to work?

(13:35) - On the stewardship and sustainability front, the new all-funds budget system lays the foundation for financial management transformation to improve functionality, transparency, and access to information. And MSU continues to rank high nationally in sustainability leadership within higher education.

(15:01) - In the land grant tradition, engagement in our communities has been a priority for you. That includes initiatives in Lansing, Flint, Grand Rapids, and Detroit.

(17:22) - In placemaking, we have many exciting plans for new and revitalized facilities supporting future research, instruction and outreach on our East Lansing campus and off. This includes the School of Packaging, the MSU Museum, and the Engineering and Digital Innovation Center (EDIC).

(20:37) - We’re saying goodbye to impactful Spartans like Chief Safety Officer Marlon Lynch and MSU Safe Place Director Holly Rosen. 

(22:10) – What are your thoughts on our generous donors and passionate alumni?

(23:30) - Talk about your new role of special adviser to the offices of the MSU president and provost and your return to your research pursuits as a proud faculty member.

Listen to “MSU Today with Russ White” on the radio and through Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your shows.

MC Lyte is an American rapper, DJ, actress and entrepreneur. She is the first female of hip-hop’s emcees to release a solo album. She also opened doors for many to join what is now being celebrated as ’50 Years of Hip Hop.” She recently received the “I Am Hip Hop” Lifetime Achievement Award from BET and was honored at the VH1 Hip Hop Honors.

Lyte was at MSU on February 8 to participate in the MSU College of Osteopathic Medicine’s Dr. William G. Anderson Lecture Series, Slavery to Freedom: An American Odyssey.

“This year marks the 50th year of hip hop. MC Lyte is one of the baddest women in the game, and she has certainly managed to evolve as a hip hop artist and MC,” says Marita Gilbert, associate dean for diversity and campus inclusion at MSU’s College of Osteopathic Medicine. “She’s a really strong advocate for giving women a voice–not just in music–and for how we can empower girls to walk into their own potential and do things they want and what they’re passionate about as their voices grow, stretch, and evolve.”

Gilbert leads Lyte through this thoughtful conversation.

Conversation Highlights:

(0:50) – Marita, tell us about Lyte and why you wanted her to be a part of the lecture series.

(2:42) – Lyte, why did you choose to participate in the Slavery to Freedom Lecture Series?

(3:50) – Lyte, what messages do you hope to convey during the lecture? 

(4:39) – Marita, what are you hoping attendees take from the discussion?

(7:07) – How are you reflecting on 50 years of hip-hop?

(17:41) – You’re now working with a five-year-old?

(18:57) – What words of encouragement do you have for young people?

(24:16) – Talk about your creative process.

(27:07) – You’re the voice of the Grammys…

Listen to “MSU Today with Russ White” on the radio and through Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your shows.

Joyce deJong is the new dean of the Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine. An alumna of the college, she began her appointment on Feb. 5, 2024.

A nationally recognized forensic pathologist, deJong (pronounced DEE-young) was a professor and founding chair of the Department of Pathology at the Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine, or WMed. She is also the medical examiner for 12 counties in Michigan, overseeing multiple deputy medical examiners and nearly 100 medical examiner investigators.  

She is a graduate of the MSU College of Osteopathic Medicine and was an associate professor in the MSU Department of Neurology and Ophthalmology and pathology division while she was the medical director for forensic pathology at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing. 

Conversation Highlights:

(0:30) – What’s your background, and what are some career highlights?

(2:39) – Did you initially think you would pursue law as a career?

(4:20) – Why did you choose to attend MSU for medical school?

(6:04) – What’s the difference between a DO and an MD?

(9:46) – What made you want to be dean of your alma mater?

(11:40) – What are some of your goals for the college?

(13:51) – Describe the evolving mission of the college.

(15:21) – What’s the state of the profession your students are entering?

(16:41) – What are challenges and opportunities ahead for the college and MSU?

Listen to “MSU Today with Russ White” on the radio and through Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your shows.

Marita Gilbert is the associate dean for diversity and campus inclusion in MSU’s College of Osteopathic Medicine. 

Gilbert talks about the 24th Annual Dr. William G. Anderson Lecture Series, one of MSU’s signature celebrations of Black History Month. The series gives the community opportunities to interact with multicultural leaders from education, business, industry, entertainment, and government. For 24 years, this series has featured living icons of the American Civil Rights Movement.

Conversation Highlights:

(1:09) – What’s your background, and what attracted you back to your alma mater to do your life’s work?

(8:37) – Describe your role as associate dean for diversity and campus inclusion?

(10:59) – Tell us about Dr. Anderson and this enduring lecture series.

(14:00) – Talk about the title “Slavery to Freedom.”

(19:28) – Why does the word “multigenerational” keep coming up as you evolve the series?

(22:40) – Tell us about the speakers in the series for 2024.

(39:45) – What are your thoughts on the evolution of Black History Month?

(46:32) – What are the challenges and opportunities facing your graduates?

Listen to “MSU Today with Russ White” on the radio and through Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your shows.

Michigan State University Vice President and Chief Safety Officer Marlon Lynch provides a campus safety and security update. Throughout the past year, the MSU Department of Police and Public Safety (DPPS) has been hard at work enhancing several different campus safety and security initiatives. 

Following the violence our community experienced in February 2023, we continue to stand together as a community. And Lynch says MSU DPPS stands committed to ensuring the safety of our Spartan community. 

Conversation Highlights:

(1:28) - The third-party after-action review by Security Risk Management Consultants (SRMC) was completed in October 2023. 

(2:48) - There are new metal detectors around campus that are allowing guests to enter venues quicker, while also ensuring overall safety. 

(4:46) - Enhancements to the MSU Alert system
Log in to alert.msu.edu to review and update your notification preferences. You can also download the SafeMSU app and enable push notifications to receive alerts. 

(9:22) - Door Lock Installations
As of January 2024, the door lock installation project is 82 percent complete for identified classrooms. You can learn more about the new locks on the Safety Tips page. 

(12:12) - MSU DPPS continues to develop the new MSU Security Operations Center, or SOC. 

(13:23) - Active Violence Incident (AVI) Training
Online-based active violence incident, or AVI, training is now available to all MSU students, faculty, and staff. In addition to the online training, MSU DPPS offers in-person training for students, faculty, and staff. More at the Community Program Participation page. 

(14:31) - How are you reflecting on February 13, 2023?

(16:16) - Moving Forward – Key Takeaways

Listen to “MSU Today with Russ White” on the radio and through Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your shows.

Matt Grossmann and Arnold Weinfeld discuss Michigan and national politics, policy, and the economy on the monthly State of the State podcast from MSU’s Institute for Public Policy and Social Research (IPPSR). The podcast is a monthly round up of policy and research for Michigan. 

Tony Daunt is executive director of FAIR Maps Michigan. He joins the conversation to discuss the redistricting process in Michigan, the current remapping process, and what brought us to this point.

Conversation Highlights:

(0:32) – What’s the latest in national politics and the presidential race?

(5:58) – An assessment of proposals in Governor Whitmer’s State of the State address and the state of politics and policy in Michigan. “This last year was one of the most productive and ideological movements of public policy that we’ve seen across any state for, like, 50 years. This was an extraordinary move leftward that they accomplished in the first year, and they’re set up to try to do a lot more.”

(9:27) – Economic development, R & D tax credit, and population growth – “The business location packages really don’t impact business decisions. People make business location decisions and then rack up the tax credits.”

(14:27) – Daunt joins the conversation to talk about the remapping process.

(19:50) – What would you rather have seen from the beginning of the redistricting process?

(23:12) – How is the redraw going so far?

(25:36) – What is the role of FAIR Maps Michigan? And what are some of your suggestions moving forward? Where is this headed?

(31:22) – “The commission has been rather defiant about the lawsuit, and I would encourage everyone to see this as an opportunity to correct, by all accounts, the biggest defect in the process. The public remains supportive of the changes, especially the changes to the partisan composition of the relationship between districts and statewide votes. This was the primary citizen concern expressed quite loudly and clearly. But that was ignored by the commission. So rather than see it as a burden imposed by the courts, I would encourage them to see it as a second chance to correct the biggest defect in the process.”

Listen to “MSU Today with Russ White” on the radio and through Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your shows.

Michigan State University Interim President Teresa K. Woodruff elaborates on topics she covers in her January 2024 Spartan Community Letter, which you can read by clicking on the communications tab at president.msu.edu.

Conversation Highlights:

(0:38) - What is Flint Rx Kids? 

(3:49) - What are the goals of the comprehensive health and wellbeing assessment?

(5:42) - As we prepare to acknowledge the violence that took place on campus last February 13, what are our plans to remember?

(9:16) - January is Stalking Awareness Month. It’s imperative that we acknowledge this, too.

(10:25) - MSU has been named a voter friendly campus. What do you like about the MSU Votes initiative?

(12:11) - MSU rose to the No. 1 spot for service learning among public four-year institutions in the U.S. News & World Report’s 2024 Best Colleges rankings.

(14:02) - What is the Alienware MSU Esports Lounge?

(16:00) - Talk about the passing of Pauline Adams at age 101. 

(17:26) - What is the Engineering and Digital Innovation Center (EDIC)?    

Listen to “MSU Today with Russ White” on the radio and through Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your shows.

Thanks to a partnership with Dell Technologies and its iconic gaming brand, Alienware, a new space at Michigan State University provides an elite gaming environment for students to train and compete in esports at the highest level.  

Supported by MSU College of Communication Arts and Sciences, or ComArtSci, the Alienware MSU Esports Lounge is the university’s first dedicated space for students engaged in esports, a rapidly growing industry centered around organized professional or semiprofessional competitive video game play. It also is the first higher education esports facility Alienware has helped establish in Michigan.  

The Alienware MSU Esports Lounge is a 1,027-square-foot space located on the main floor of the MSU ComArtSci building. The lounge is open to all MSU students and features 12 Alienware Aurora R16 battle stations — Alienware’s most advanced and most powerful desktop yet, powered by 14th Gen Intel Core processors — as well as Alienware m16 laptops, console gaming space, a varsity room and broadcast studio. 

The university celebrated the opening of the Alienware MSU Esports Lounge on Jan. 17 with special guests,including former MSU women’s basketball player Aerial Powers, a brand and diversity ambassador with Team Liquid, a well-known esports organization, and WNBA player with the Minnesota Lynx. Michigan Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist was also in attendance. 

This facility provides a hands-on esports experience for the Spartan gaming community and hosts team competitions. 

Comments from ribbon cutting participants:

(0:00) – Interim Com Art Sci Dean Teresa Mastin

(3:24) – MSU Esports Director Chris Bilski

(6:33) – MSU Trustee Dennis Denno, 

(7:33) – Interim MSU President Teresa Woodruff

(12:32) – Michigan Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist

(17:21) – Dell Director of Gaming Matt McGowan

(20:30) – MSU alumna and Esports influencer Aerial Powers

Listen to “MSU Today with Russ White” on the radio and through Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your shows.

Adam Roy, food and beverage expert in Michigan State University’s Broad College of Business, has spent decades as a five-star chef and leader in the hospitality industry and is passionate about fermentation and nonalcoholic beverages. As the Dr. Lewis J. and Mrs. Ruth E. Minor Chef-Professor of Culinary Management in MSU’s School of Hospitality Business — the No. 1 public hospitality program in the U.S. — Roy explores what it takes to craft a delicious nonalcoholic beverage and provides tips for a successful Dry January. And he talks about the evolving hospitality industry and MSU’s preeminent School of Hospitality Business.

Conversation Highlights:

(0:28) – What’s your background as a “crazy culinarian?” 

(2:34) – What is Dry January?

(3:32) - What does it take to craft a good nonalcoholic beverage?

(4:22) - Why has the low and nonalcoholic beverage market taken off?

(4:53) - How have you seen companies capitalize on the rising popularity of nonalcoholic drinks?

(5:50) - For someone thinking about going sober for Dry January, what are your tips for success?

(7:03) – What attracted you to MSU?

(8:07) – How did MSU’s program become one of the country’s best schools for hospitality business?

(8:50) – How is the school’s mission evolving?

(10:38) – What’s the state of the hospitality industry your students are entering?

(11:55) – Where do you stand on tipping?

(13:13) – What are challenges and opportunities facing the hospitality industry?

(14:43) – Why should a student choose to get into the hospitality industry, and why should they come to MSU?

Listen to “MSU Today with Russ White” on the radio and through Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your shows.

MSU’s Health and Wellbeing (UHW) Division is conducting a university-wide health and wellbeing assessment that includes an anonymous survey. The purpose of this assessment is for UHW to gain a deeper understanding of issues impacting MSU students, faculty, and staff as it relates to physical health, mental health, and social wellbeing. 

The results of the survey will contribute to the development of a 5-year plan for MSU to equitably support Spartan health and wellbeing. Specifically, UHW will comprehensively assess: 

·       The health of the student, staff, and faculty populations 

·       Identify prevalent health trends and issues, and  

·       Gather data essential for tailoring and enhancing support services, resource allocation, and policies to promote a culture of wellbeing on campus. 

All students, faculty and staff are encouraged to complete the survey.  The information shared will be kept confidential. The survey takes 8-10 minutes to complete. For additional information, visit: https://uhw.msu.edu/assessment.

Discussing the assessment and survey on this episode of MSU Today are Dr. Norman Beauchamp, Jr, MD, MHS, MSU executive vice president for Health Sciences, executive sponsor of the sustainable health theme in the MSU Strategic Plan 2030, and co-chair of the MSU Health and Wellbeing Assessment; Dr. Alexis Travis, assistant provost and executive director of MSU University Health and Wellbeing; and Dr. Renee Canady, MPHI CEO and assistant professor at MSU’s College of Human Medicine Charles Stewart Mott Department of Public Health.

Conversation Highlights:

(2:23) – “UHW is supporting a community where health and wellbeing is equitably woven into all aspects of campus life.”

(2:58) – “The beauty of MPHI is that we are a living and breathing demonstration of governmental and academic innovation.”

(3:44) – How does UHW define health and wellbeing? – “It’s a complete sense of physical, mental, and social health and not just the absence of disease or infirmary.”

(6:02) – Why is health and wellbeing a priority for students, faculty, and staff and how does it impact student success and staff and faculty success? 

(7:52) – Who should take the survey and what do you hope to learn from it?

(9:02) – “This survey is about voice.”

(11:55) – “MSU could have easily completed this project without us. The fact that they saw partnership as vitally important is what we do.”

(13:02) – What will you do with the data compiled from the survey?

(14:48) – How does the assessment fit into the sustainable health theme of MSU Strategic Plan 2030?

(17:29) – “It’s my hope that people will not only participate, but that they’ll be better for having participated.”

For additional information, please visit: https://uhw.msu.edu/assessment.

Photo credit: Donna Hondorp. Left to right: Beauchamp, Canady, Travis

Listen to “MSU Today with Russ White” on the radio and through Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your shows.

A group of MSU alumni are making their mark in audio and sound engineering and mixing in Hollywood. And they’re garnering Emmy nominations and awards, too. The group is affectionately known as the “audio mafia.” The common denominator is longtime MSU audio teacher Gary Reid, who is also emeritus director of broadcasting and general manager of WKAR Public Media.

Andy Lange (2002-2006) is up for two Emmy's in 2024. Phil DeTolve (2002-2007) and Gary Megregian (1994-1997) are up for one each for a total of 4 in January.  

Pat Cyccone won the mafia’s first Emmy almost 30 years ago and has played an important role in getting all these guys started in their careers in Los Angeles. Cyccone has been mixing all of Alexander Payne's films.   

Mike Olman (1987-1990) has won three Emmys with shows like “24”, “Desperate Housewives,” and Discovery Channel’s “When Dinosaurs Ruled the Earth” movies.

Chris Foster (2002-2006) is co-owner of a major music editing post house in LA and is nominated this year, and Luke Schwarzweller (2008-2012), the youngest alumnus, mixed the last Indiana Jones film, Ferrari, and West Side Story, essentially doing Steven Spielberg's work.  

Conversation Highlights:

(1:22) – What does it mean to be an audio or sound engineer/mixer? What do you do?

(2:54) - “It’s not the quality of the mix that makes a good mixer. It’s having a good time with the people you’re working with and making sure that everyone’s at ease and taken care of. Those are the experiences that paying clients are going to remember.”

(8:01) - “Don’t ever not take a job because you don’t know how to do it. Take it and then learn it as fast as you can.”

(14:22) – “The director just has to know that you’re on his side.”

(21:21) – “I got to go every day and sit in a big, giant electronic sandbox and play with all my friends.”

(27:30) – “One of the things the average viewer doesn’t realize necessarily is just how much we can use sound to manipulate the viewer.”

(30:29) – “It’s learning the power of sound and how it can tell a story and evoke emotion.” 

(32:36) – “The ultimate compliment you can pay a music editor is that you have no idea what they actually did. If I did a good job, I’m totally invisible. Nothing I did should be noticed.”

(35:45) – “The upside and the downside of what we all do as professionals in sound is that if we’re really good at what we do, you will never know we were in the room.”

Listen to “MSU Today with Russ White” on the radio and through Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your shows.

Kevin M. Guskiewicz, an accomplished neuroscientist, sports medicine researcher and academic leader, has been named the 22nd president of Michigan State University.

The Board of Trustees unanimously voted to appoint Guskiewicz, the 12th chancellor of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, during a special board meeting on Dec. 8. He will begin his term on March 4, 2024.

Conversation Highlights:

(0:56) – “I’m a servant leader. I like to bring people together. Leadership is about gathering people and getting them aligned toward a common goal.”

(1:35) – Do you have any experience or past interactions with MSU and/or the state of Michigan?

(2:08) - Tell us more about your research interests. When and why did you develop this interest? What have been some of your findings that have made it to places like the NFL?

(3:14) - The board also approved your appointment as a professor with tenure in the College of Education’s Department of Kinesiology. Do you hope to be able to continue your research while president?

(3:45) - What attracted you to the presidency of MSU?

(4:15) – Have you had a chance to review MSU Strategic Plan 2030?

(4:44) – What is your philosophy on fundraising and donor/alumni engagement?

(5:22) – What are some of your short-term goals?

(6:37) – What are challenges and opportunities ahead for MSU and the “transformative power” of higher education?

(7:37) – There’s a lot going in college athletics, too. What are challenges and opportunities there?

(8:32) – What are your final thoughts for Spartan Nation as we await your arrival March 4?

Listen to “MSU Today with Russ White” on the radio and through Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your shows.

Photo credit: Nick Schrader, University Communications 

Global competitors have incentivized the semiconductor manufacturing industry to the point that the U.S. share of commercial semiconductor manufacturing has declined 25 percent in the last 30 years, says Nelson Sepulveda, professor of electrical and computer engineering in MSU’s College of Engineering.

To increase our competitiveness in the field of semiconductors, the CHIPS Act was passed by Congress in July 2022 with the goal of strengthening domestic semiconductor manufacturing, design, and research and to reinforce America’s chip supply chains. 

This act includes $52 billion dollars in manufacturing grants and research investments in the field of semiconductor processing, manufacturing, and research. Two billion dollars from the CHIPS act will be dedicated to incentivizing production of semiconductors used by automakers, and the state of Michigan has already started investing in some of the semiconductor processing and manufacturing companies in the state of Michigan.

For MSU, this means adding new opportunities for middle and high school students with a five-day summer camp focused on semiconductor manufacturing and processing that will be free for Detroit-area students. The Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) has funded the camp for 8th-9th graders that will take place during the summer in 2024. The program aims to raise awareness and excitement in the field.

Conversation Highlights:

(0:37) – Sepulveda frames the issue.

(4:21) – Details on the camp and the underserved communities in the Detroit metro area who will participate. 

(6:45) – What is a semiconductor?

(9:47) – How can an interested eighth or ninth grader get involved with the camp?

“I have always believed that before you teach, you need to inspire. I have always believed that when you put talent, passion, and opportunity in a blender, stars are born. I believe this is true in sports, academia, business, and life in general. This program will provide an opportunity to passionate and talented kids in a field that is extremely important for our Nation and for the entire world.”

Listen to “MSU Today with Russ White” on the radio and through Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your shows.

Matt Grossmann, Charley Ballard, and host Arnold Weinfeld discuss Michigan and national politics, policy, and the economy on the monthly State of the State podcast from MSU’s Institute for Public Policy and Social Research (IPPSR).

The trio’s guest this month is Nick Pigeon, executive director of the Michigan Campaign Finance Network. It’s a nonpartisan nonprofit organization that seeks to shine the brightest light possible on the role of money in Michigan politics.

Conversation Highlights:

(1:07) – Why did the Michigan Legislature break early?

(3:19) – What are the implications if the Legislature extends their break into the spring?

(4:28) – Do you think we’ll see renewed calls for a part time legislature?

(5:21) – What’s the state of the economy? “It’s been resilient, worker productivity is growing, and gasoline prices are way down.”

(9:45) – What about Michigan’s economy in the next six months to a year?

(11:52) – How does Michigan’s economy compare to other states you’ve visited recently?

(14:32) – If you were President Biden’s political consultant, what would you tell him?

(15:37) – All about the Michigan Campaign Finance Network and their perspective on the recently passed financial disclosure legislation.

(22:59) – Will the new legislation have a positive impact?

(25:42) – What about FOIA, the Freedom of Information Act, for legislators?

(27:22) – “The dream that transparency was going to lead to a more satisfied public has come and gone.”

Listen to “MSU Today with Russ White” on the radio and through Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your shows.

The MSU Water Alliance brings together experts across the University to push the boundaries of discovery and find solutions to water-related challenges through research, education, and engagement with communities and industries. It’s the Water Alliance for Teaching, Engagement and Research.

Joan Rose is the Homer Nowlin Chair in Water Research at MSU. Jo Latimore is the director of the MSU Extension Center for Lakes and Streams. Amber Pearson is an associate professor in MSU’s Charles Stewart Mott Department of Public Health. The trio discusses the alliance’s vision, mission, and objectives. And they talk about some of the challenges and opportunities ahead for the world’s water.

Conversation Highlights:

(0:44) – Rose describes her research interests of water quality and health. “I found out very quickly that when you’re out in the field collecting water, there are people all around you that care about what you’re doing and finding.”

(1:54) – Latimore describes how the science of swimmer’s itch in Higgins Lake played into her career and interest in water issues. “That connection between the science and being able to work with the public on conservation issues around lakes and streams has really driven my career.”

(3:05) – Pearson describes her two streams of research. One is related to household water insecurity. “Yes, the safety of the water, but also having enough, affordable and reliable water.”

(3:58) – What are some the key issues that make this alliance so important?

(6:16) – What are the vision, mission, and objectives of the alliance? “The alliance is an amplifier and a connector and brings all the MSU expertise in this area together. MSU is uniquely positioned in this area to lead.”

(11:25) – “We have a great opportunity to address this idea of the intersection between water, food, and health.” 

(12:45) - The Michigan State University Extension perspective of “advancing outreach with science” and listening to Michiganders to learn of their issues.

(14:03) – In Michigan, we’re well positioned in two important ways. 

(14:57) – The panel looks to the future. 

(16:18) – How the alliance benefits students.

(16:52) – The community is encouraged to come forward if they need their issues addressed. “Come forward and be part of the alliance. It’s about engagement with the community.”

(17:20) – How can each of us be a better steward of water? “The public doesn’t really know where they get their water from. And they don’t know where the water goes when they flush their toilet.”

Listen to “MSU Today with Russ White” on the radio and through Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your show.

MSU alumnus Devon Akmon is the director of the MSU Museum. 

Topics include the MSU Museum becoming a vital “third space” for students, being a catalyst for interdisciplinary teaching, learning, and research, and serving as a creative “collaboratory” for campus.

Conversation Highlights:

(0:25) – Devon describes the “whirlwind rethinking of our strategic direction and solidifying of our position on campus” since he arrived in 2021.

(0:57) – What challenges and opportunities did Covid present to museums? “The largest challenge is competing for time and attention.”

(1:50) – What is your strategic plan revealing about your future? “How do we bring the research and the innovation and the exciting things here on campus to life?”

(2:47) – How is the strategic plan manifesting itself now?

(3:38) – What do you mean when you say you want to make the museum a third place?

(4:33) – What are some ways you’re taking the museum to the community?

(5:40) – What will the Forest Akers Trust gift allow you to do?

(7:15) – How is the strategic plan informing the museum’s vision and mission?

(8:15) – What are your strategic priorities?

(9:11) – And your shared values?

(9:36) – What do you mean by “creative collaboratory for campus?”

(10:27) – What are your thoughts on MSU’s Arts Initiative?

(11:25) – Where does your passion for museums and the arts come from?

(12:18) – Upcoming projects include working with Julian Chambliss on the origins and “global imprint” of Detroit techno, Brian Winn and his team at the GEL Lab, and even an artist in residency program with FRIB.

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Jonathan Smith, who has led Oregon State to new heights during his tenure over the past six seasons, has been named Michigan State University’s 26th head football coach.

Smith was introduced at a press conference on campus on November 28.

Press Conference Highlights:

(0:00) – Spartans Athletic Director Alan Haller’s opening comments

(5:31) – Coach Smith’s opening comments

(13:52) – Are you going to study the history of Spartan Football and is that important?

(14:30) – How hard was it to leave your alma mater and what attracted you to MSU?

(15:08) – How will you go about assembling your staff?

(16:20) – What is your perspective on the importance of mental health for your players?

(17:08) – What did you learn from your Oregon State experience you will carry over to MSU?

(18:15) – What catch phrases do you use that your players will get used to hearing?

(19:01) – How will you address the roster?

(20:18) – Will you consult with Mark Dantonio?

(21:06) – Did the dissolution of the Pac 12 influence your decision to come to MSU?

(22:19) – What did you learn from watching some of MSU’s games this season?

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 Kari Kammel is the director of MSU’s Center for Anti-Counterfeiting and Product Protection (A-CAPP) in the College of Social Science and an adjunct professor in Michigan State University’s College of Law. She is an expert on legal issues relating to trademark counterfeiting, e-commerce, social media liability for trademark counterfeiting and intellectual property legal issues.

Saleem Alhabash is a professor in the Department of Advertising and Public Relations at MSU’s College of Communication Arts and Sciences. He is an expert on the persuasive impacts of digital and social media across many contexts, such as online safety and anti-counterfeiting. Alhabash is the associate director of research for MSU’s A-CAPP. 

Conversation Highlights:

(1:06) – “So, I did a little research and applied for a job they had open there and discovered there’s this whole world of people and organizations out there that essentially are faking legitimate products and then selling them for profit.”

(2:28) – “As the world of ecommerce has mushroomed into our daily lives, there has been increasing understanding that this phenomenon is really hard to contain.”

(4:23) – The history and mission of MSU’s Center for Anti-Counterfeiting and Product Protection. 

(8:57) – Frame the issue. How pervasive is the problem?

(11:48) – How do the social media play into this?

(18:05) – It’s particularly “scary” when you’re talking about counterfeit medicine and food and “anything you put in or on your body.” There can also be health issues with counterfeit apparel. Kari describes third party sellers and their role.

(22:05) – What’s the psychology behind a person knowingly buying counterfeit products?

(24:53) – Is almost anything counterfeit bad? The clothing is often produced in conditions where workers are treated horribly. Think about where your money is going. It’s going to places like that and even to organized crime.

(27:43) – What are the INFORM Consumers Act and SHOP SAFE Act and how are they designed to help?

(31:26) – What are some tips for being more aware of counterfeit products when shopping online and avoiding them all together? Be especially wary of online pharmacies. Overall, “be vigilant, critical, and skeptical of the information that you look at.” Know where you’re buying from.

(39:20) – More tips for shopping safely online. Don’t buy anything through social media without doing more research. 

(43:11) – Key takeaways. “Be aware of what you’re buying and what the impact of that is. If you do buy something and realize it’s counterfeit, please report it. If you can report it, that helps take down the listing so that other people aren’t also going through that experience in buying it, too. It helps the brands you like protect themselves, too. It’s just about awareness.”

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One of Michigan State University’s most dominant teams is not in the Athletic Department. It’s our perennial national powerhouse debate team.

Director of Debate Carly Watson, Coach Will Repko, and team members Joanna Gusis and Miaomiao Zi discuss how a debate competition works. They talk about the skills that make one a good debater and about why MSU is such a debate power. How and when did this happen? They talk about how debate skills serve students throughout their lives. And they reinforce some facts about debate and dispel some myths.

Conversation Highlights:

(1:08) – “The way that a structured college debate works is that you’re given a topic in advance. But one of the neat and healthy things is you don’t know what side of the issue that you’ll be on. Often, it’s determined by the flip of a coin, literally.”

(3:55) – How does a debate tournament play out? “Usually, the debates are decided by a combination of whose research is more advanced on a question of public policy or who is more persuasive in diagnosing the strengths and weaknesses of the opponents' arguments.”

(4:52) – What are the skills that make someone a good debater?

(8:44) – When and how did MSU become a national debate powerhouse?

(10:20) – For the students, is the debate team a primary reason you chose to come to MSU?

(11:49) – How do debate skills serve a person throughout their life?

(13:31) – “There’s this misnomer about debate and debate people that we like to argue or that we can’t agree on anything. One of the biggest things that debate teaches as a practice is being able to hear and understand and appreciate what the other side is saying. Debate is very good at teaching people to listen and to consider a perspective other than their own.”

(15:39) – Are there facts about debate you’d like to reinforce and myths you’d like to dispel? “Debates are nothing like the presidential debates we’re used to where people are talking over each other. That’s the impression many of us have when we think of debates.”

(21:27) – Final thoughts from the panel – “Starting public speaking at a young age did wonders for my confidence. I can’t describe how often I encounter someone who is a very successful lawyer who says that their entry point was an incredibly humble beginning in a middle school debate class.”

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