October 2023 Roundup
Research presentation: Immunomodulatory Therapies for Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases
Trustees were presented with an overview of immunomodulatory therapies, specifically biologic treatments, including stem cell therapies, addressing inflammatory diseases such as osteoarthritis, as well as both viral and bacterial infectious diseases. Valerie Johnson, assistant professor and small animal critical care veterinarian in the College of Veterinary Medicine, delivered the presentation.
Over the past decade, Johnson has dedicated her research efforts to investigating the efficacy of mesenchymal stem cells, or MSCs, as potential treatments for multidrug-resistant infections, immune-mediated diseases and arthritis. Her goal is to contribute to the healing process for animals facing these health challenges. Johnson collaborates extensively with multiple departments, maintaining close partnerships with the Department of Engineering, the Department of Radiology and the MSU Stem Cell Core.
Contact: Kim Ward, University Communications, kward@msu.edu
The board has approved the 2025 capital outlay project request and the accompanying five-year capital outlay plan, paving the way for constructing a groundbreaking Engineering and Digital Innovation Center. This new facility is strategically designed to foster a robust and transformative ecosystem, centering on the intersection of digital and physical technologies.
The new center will be a collaborative effort among six MSU colleges (Engineering, Natural Science, Arts and Letters, Business, Communication Arts and Sciences and Social Science) and will harness research, innovation and discovery across multiple disciplines to ensure students are prepared to thrive in a competitive state and global economy. It also will support an increase in enrollment of more than 1,500 new undergraduate students in computational sciences and digital literacy disciplines as well as students in related graduate-level programs.
Contact:Jeremy Reuter, Director for Statewide Advocacy: (517) 353-9000 or reuterje@msu.edu
Board of Trustees green-lights dairy, greenhouse infrastructure projects
The board has authorized two infrastructure projects critical to the future of Michigan food production and agriculture. Substantial renovations and additions to the Plant Science Greenhouses are being made as well as the construction of an updated, state-of-the-art Dairy Cattle Teaching and Research Center, with the state of Michigan providing $53 million for partial funding of each project. Both projects received strong advocacy from Michigan’s agricultural community and bipartisan legislative support.
Contact: Kelly Kussmaul, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources: (517) 242-9790 or kussmau3@msu.edu
The board has approved the Clinical Center D-wing project.that will transform 18,600 square feet within the Clinical Center D-Wing to facilitate large animal imaging. The university aims to repurpose existing infrastructure, upgrading building systems, notably ventilation, to accommodate cutting-edge magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI, and positron emission tomography, or PET, scanning equipment.
The project is poised to benefit from an anticipated in-kind donation of scanning equipment from a reputable manufacturer. Alongside these developments, the plan includes constructing new animal holding rooms and removing and replacing existing equipment. This strategic endeavor aligns with the university's commitment to advancing its research capabilities and enhancing its standing as a leader in health care innovation.
Contact: Kim Ward, University Communications, kward@msu.edu
16 MSU graduates receive Board of Trustees’ Award for academic excellence earning a 4.0 GPA
Sixteen Michigan State summer 2023 graduates accomplished what many aspire to achieve — a perfect GPA. During its Oct. 27 meeting, the MSU Board of Trustees presented a record-breaking number of graduating seniors with the Board of Trustees’ Award, recognizing their achievement of the highest scholastic average one can receive, a 4.0 GPA.
In addition to being recognized by the Board of Trustees, students also will be acknowledged during their individual commencement ceremonies in December and will receive $1,000 from the university for their accomplishments.
Contact: Dan Olsen, deputy spokesperson, University Communications: (517) 355-3853 or olsenda2@msu.edu
Faculty appointments with tenure
- Artem Rogovskyy, associate professor, Department of Pathobiology and Diagnostic Investigation, College of Veterinary Medicine, effective Dec. 15
Administrative appointments
- Harlon Barnett, interim head football coach, Department of Intercollegiate Athletics, subject to contract with effective dates of Sept. 12 through March 31, 2024
The next Board of Trustees public meeting will be Dec. 15.