Audiences: current students, admitted students, employees, current and admitted student parents, alums and BOT
Dear Spartans and friends,
At Michigan State, educating students for the jobs of today while preparing them for the careers and challenges of the future is our most fundamental responsibility. Like the land-grant vision that animated our founding, it means imparting problem-solving skills and the ability to adapt as industries evolve. It includes skills like digital fluency, ethical behavior and collaboration across disciplines and cultures.
As we approach the Feb. 12 anniversary of the university’s founding 171 years ago, Michigan State continues to honor its legacy of collaboration by engaging with employers, policymakers and industry leaders to understand current and future workforce needs.
Driving innovation through collaboration
It was a thrill to attend the Detroit Auto Show this month to connect with industry insiders, visit with the MSU College of Engineering Baja racing team and engage in a dialogue with former U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg on the future of mobility.
Adding to our capacity to prepare students for future-leaning careers, our Green and White Council last week announced a set of recommendations and initiatives to strengthen the state’s workforce, connect students to high-quality careers and accelerate innovation across industries.
The council, first set in motion last April, includes 18 prominent leaders from industries reflecting a cross section of today’s economy. The group has proposed signature initiatives that identify artificial intelligence, real-world experiences and applied research as critical components of undergraduate education. I’m excited about the initiatives they propose and encourage you to learn more about them.
Growing research and MSU impact
Michigan State is a leading global research university focused on improving lives in meaningful ways, often through federally funded discovery and innovation. Our faculty take on challenges that private industry often cannot, pursuing long-term, high-impact research. In 2024, MSU recorded $474 million in federal research expenditures. That investment advances discovery, strengthens small businesses, improves health outcomes and prepares the next generation of problem solvers for Michigan and beyond. Whether it’s developing treatments for postpartum depression, helping children overcome chronic pain or supporting agriculture and other vital state industries with practical, cutting-edge knowledge, MSU research is making a difference starting right here in Michigan.
To help lead MSU’s vital research enterprise, we introduced Shashank Priya recently as MSU’s next vice president for Research and Innovation. His appointment follows a national search for the leader of this critical university function and precedes the retirement of Douglas Gage, who is wrapping up his distinguished service and leadership at MSU. The appointment is subject to approval by the MSU Board of Trustees at its Feb. 6 meeting, and Priya is expected to begin his new role on Feb. 16.
Research also helps drive the university’s $6.81 billion annual overall economic impact across Michigan. External research funding flows into Michigan communities as it fuels MSU discovery and translation of ideas into real-world solutions. Research-intensive universities help position our state as a national leader in areas such as health care, mobility, energy and advanced manufacturing.
Michigan’s 15 public universities, meanwhile, collectively are also a key element to the strength of our state’s economy. A new independent economic analysis released by the Michigan Association of State Universities quantifies how our universities are powerful engines of opportunity, innovation and shared prosperity. Together, Michigan’s public universities generate nearly $45 billion in net new economic activity each year, support more than 129,000 jobs and contribute over $7 billion annually in state tax revenue. This study underscores how investing in Michigan’s public universities is an investment in jobs, economic growth and the long-term vitality of our state.
Offering a safe, caring community
Research, teaching and outreach describe MSU’s land-grant mission, but it’s our culture that truly defines the university experience. Our first priority is to make the university as safe and welcoming as it can be so that every Spartan feels they belong and are valued in an inclusive and respectful environment.
I’ve spent a lot of time this month listening to and learning from concerned members of our university community. I recognize and am saddened by disruptions created by events unfolding nationally and globally that can impact us locally. While MSU practices restraint in making public statements to remain a space for learning, inquiry and civil discourse, we are prepared to listen, engage and help connect Spartans to available support and resources. We remain committed to fostering a caring environment where students continue to learn and all of us can thrive and succeed.
As we near the three-year mark of the violence our campus experienced Feb. 13, 2023, a committee of students, staff and faculty is working with our Office for Resource and Support Coordination to plan this year’s Feb. 13 commemoration. Most classes won’t meet that day, and the university will remain open to support students, faculty and staff. We’re inviting Spartans to come together to support each other and the broader community in the Caring Through Service activity at the Breslin Center Hall of History from 1–3 p.m.
I know this anniversary can affect members of our campus community in different ways and encourage you to visit the Spartans Together website for more details on plans for the day and our available supportive resources.
As winter continues in Michigan, I hope you take care, stay warm and remain connected to one another.
Sincerely,
Kevin M. Guskiewicz, Ph.D.
(pronounced GUS-ka-wits)
President
John A. Hannah Distinguished Professor
Department of Kinesiology