December 2024 roundup

Trustees Kelly, Byrum honored for combined 24 years of service on board

During the last Board of Trustees meeting for the 2024 calendar year, outgoing Board Chair Dan Kelly and Trustee Dianne Byrum were each honored for their service, dedication and leadership to the MSU community.

 

Contact: Amber McCann, University Communications and Marketing: 248-703-5191, mccanna3@msu.edu

 

MSU trustees approve Spartan Stadium renovation plan 

Michigan State University’s Board of Trustees approved a resolution to modernize Spartan Stadium with short- and long-term improvements.

The first phase focuses on replacing the stadium’s three outdated videoboards. These boards have become obsolete, and replacement parts are no longer available. The project begins in January, with completion expected before the fall 2025 football season. 

Renovations also include updates to suites on the fourth, seventh and eighth floors. Modern ADA-compliant restroom facilities will be added, along with upgrades to seating, flooring and concessions. These changes aim to enhance usability and support MSU Athletics’ philanthropic efforts. 

Looking ahead, the university is initiating plans for a phased approach to fully modernize Spartan Stadium, one of MSU’s most iconic landmarks. Proposed upgrades include structural repairs, enhanced safety and security, improved seating and concourses, and expanded concessions and restrooms. The long-term goal is to improve the overall fan experience while ensuring the stadium continues to serve the MSU community.

Contact: Amber McCann, University Communications and Marketing: 248-703-5191, mccanna3@msu.edu

 

 Research presentation: College of Music

 Trustees received a research presentation during the Dec. 13 meeting from College of Music’s Rodney Whitaker, University Distinguished Professor of Jazz Bass and director of Jazz Studies, and Carmen Bradford, associate professor of jazz voice. Whitaker’s presentation examined the power of mentorship and how the philosophy “each one teach one” guides his work. Bradford’s presentation focused on how jazz musician Count Basie took her under his wing and helped shape her career as a performer.

 

(Above) College of Music’s Rodney Whitaker, University Distinguished Professor of Jazz Bass and director of Jazz Studies, and (Below) Carmen Bradford, associate professor of jazz voice.

Contact: Amber McCann, University Communications and Marketing: 248-703-5191, mccanna3@msu.edu

 

Trustees revise investment policy to strengthen oversight and increase endowment spending

The board has approved significant updates to its investment policy BOT 607. The revisions, aimed at aligning with modern institutional practices and enhancing governance, include an increase in the endowment spending rate and the establishment of new oversight mechanisms.

Key changes to BOT 607 include raising the annual endowment spending rate from 4.4% to 4.8%, reflecting the university’s strong investment performance over the past eight years. The policy now incorporates improved conflict-of-interest protections and establishes a university committee of students, faculty and staff to formally address divestment concerns. This committee, to be appointed by the president, is expected to be operational within the next year.

Contact: Amber McCann, University Communications and Marketing: 248-703-5191, mccanna3@msu.edu

 

Trustees retire outdated policy to streamline governance

The MSU Board of Trustees has approved the rescission of BOT 801, a policy established in 1980 to centralize the university’s development program. The decision, finalized on Dec. 13, 2024, reflects a broader effort to modernize and simplify MSU’s governance framework by retiring outdated or redundant policies.

BOT 801 was originally introduced to oversee the formulation and management of fundraising activities for the university. At the time, it served as a mechanism to establish centralized control over private-sector support initiatives. However, this policy has not been revised since its enactment, and its provisions have since been absorbed into the Board of Trustees’ Bylaws.

Contact: Amber McCann, University Communications and Marketing: 248-703-5191, mccanna3@msu.edu

 

MSU trustees approve key updates to Bylaws for Academic Governance

The MSU Board of Trustees has adopted amendments to the Bylaws for Academic Governance, reflecting a commitment to enhancing clarity, inclusivity and functionality within academic operations. The revisions address four key sections of the bylaws and incorporate recommendations from the University Committee on Academic Governance.

The updates include defining the duration of partial terms for faculty replacements on standing committees to ensure consistency in service expectations. Membership of the University Committee on Undergraduate Education has been expanded to include representation from International Studies and Programs, further diversifying perspectives in academic decision-making.

Significant changes were also made to the Athletic Council. The revisions clarify the roles, term limits and responsibilities of the faculty athletic representative, shift student election authority to student governments, and recommend greater student-athlete representation. Additionally, the council must now publish all meeting materials and reports online, promoting transparency.

Finally, the University Academic Integrity Hearing Board was renamed the Academic Hearing Pool to better reflect its role and scope. This change eliminates confusion surrounding the board’s function within the university’s academic hearing system.

Contact: Amber McCann, University Communications and Marketing: 248-703-5191, mccanna3@msu.edu

 

Trustees approve revision to bylaws and plan for enhanced Spartan community engagement

The Board of Trustees has approved amendments to Article 2 of its bylaws, reducing the minimum number of formal board meetings from six to five per calendar year. The decision reflects efforts to streamline governance while enhancing opportunities for community engagement and dialogue with stakeholders.

The revised meeting schedule will include two formal board meetings each in the fall and spring semesters, and one in the summer aligned with the board’s annual retreat.

To strengthen Spartan community dialogue, the board has tasked the president and board secretary with presenting recommendations by February 2025 for alternative engagement methods. This plan includes hosting an in-person community engagement forum in September 2025, replacing a formal board meeting. The forum aims to provide a broader platform for the Spartan community, student leaders and external stakeholders to engage in meaningful dialogue. The board emphasized that the reduction in formal meetings will not diminish communication with the university community. Instead, it seeks to create additional avenues for community participation.

Contact: Amber McCann, University Communications and Marketing: 248-703-5191, mccanna3@msu.edu

 

MSU trustees approve new endowment fund for farm stress support

The MSU Board of Trustees has established the “Extension Farm Stress Management Project Fund,” a new fund functioning as an endowment to support the MSU Extension Farm Stress Management Project. The fund, managed by the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, aims to provide sustainable support for programs that address the unique challenges faced by farmers, farm families and those who support them. These include counseling services, stress management training, program development, outreach and staff support. The fund is designed to ensure farmers have access to the resources they need while facing challenges, such as low commodity prices, natural disasters or on-farm injuries.

Contact: Kelly Kussmaul, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources: kussmau3@msu.edu

 

MSU trustees approve land acquisition for dairy research expansion

The MSU Board of Trustees has authorized the potential purchase of approximately 92 acres of farmland in Alaiedon Township, Michigan, to support the expansion of the Dairy Cattle Teaching and Research Center. The acquisition will enhance feed production capacity for MSU’s growing dairy cattle herd, ensuring the success of this critical agricultural initiative. The purchase is a strategic move to meet the increased demands of the center, which is set to expand its herd from 220 to 680 cows. The additional herd size aligns with modern industry standards for teaching and research, addressing a backlog of research projects.

Contact: Kelly Kussmaul, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources: kussmau3@msu.edu

 

MSU trustees establish endowment fund for Spartan Marching Band support

The MSU Board of Trustees has approved the creation of the Spartan Marching Band Fund Functioning as an Endowment, or FFE. This new fund will provide ongoing support for the renowned Spartan Marching Band. The endowment was proposed by the College of Music and reviewed by the Trustee Committee on Budget and Finance.

Expenditures from the fund will be directed at the discretion of the director of the Spartan Marching Band in consultation with the director of Bands. The fund is expected to bolster various aspects of the band’s activities, including performances, equipment, and operational needs.

Contact: Richard Seguin, College of Music: seguinr@msu.edu; Michael Sundermann, College of Music: sunderm7@msu.edu

 

MSU trustees approve sponsored research agreements with Proton Bio and Iaso Therapeutics

The MSU Board of Trustees approved sponsored research agreements with Proton Bio, Inc. and Iaso Therapeutics, Inc. Proton Bio’s agreement focuses on GPR68 as a ferroptosis-based therapy for glioblastoma. MSU researcher Dr. Edmund Ellsworth will lead pharmacokinetics and other studies in the Life Sciences Building. Faculty members Dr. Charles Williams and Dr. Charles Hong disclosed financial interests in Proton Bio per MSU’s conflict-of-interest policies. 

Iaso Therapeutics’ collaboration involves studying immune responses to a next-generation vaccine using mQβ capsid protein conjugated with a Salmonella-derived antigen. Dr. Zhen Qiu, supported by the Medicinal Chemistry CORE Facility, will conduct the research funding from Iaso. Faculty member Dr. Xuefei Huang disclosed a financial interest in the company. 

Contact: Dalin Clark, University Communications and Marketing: 616-308-8590, dalin.clark@msu.edu

 

Board of Trustees honors graduates with perfect GPAs

Seventy-seven MSU graduates have achieved what many aspire to – a perfect GPA. The board honored these students with the Board of Trustees’ Award at its Dec. 13 meeting. The award recognizes the extraordinary accomplishment of maintaining the highest scholastic average, a 4.0 GPA, throughout students’ academic journey.

Contact: Amber McCann, University Communications and Marketing: 248-703-5191, mccanna3@msu.edu

 

Faculty appointments with tenure

• Keiko Miyadera, associate professor, Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, effective Nov. 1, 2024.
• Andrea Johnston, associate professor, Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences and Pathobiology and Diagnostic Investigation, effective Jan. 1, 2025.
• Allison Kuipers, associate professor, Department of Medicine, effective Dec. 30, 2024.
• Janeen Salak-Johnson, professor and Meadow Brook Chair, Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, effective May 1, 2025.

 

Other personal actions

The following actions include tenure recommendations which were delayed last spring, recommended by the department chairpersons/school directors, deans, and provost in accordance with tenure rules. The following promotion(s) include the award of tenure and are recommended to be effective Jan. 1, 2025. 

• Firas Khasawneh, promotion to associate professor with tenure, Department of Computational Mathematics, Science and Engineering.
• Allison Goralnik, promotion to associate professor with tenure, Department of Community Sustainability.

 

Committee reports: Year in review

Over the past year, each committee has been active. Below are highlights of the board’s work:

Academic Affairs Committee

• Worked further on the board’s bylaws, including creating a dual reporting structure for the board secretary.
• Completed a comprehensive review and update of the 50 ordinances at the institution that address a range of areas related to conduct on university lands.
• Took action on nine policies, including those under consideration today, affecting key areas of university operations and governance such as advancement, sponsorship and advertising, and research.

• Supported the university’s efforts during the recent Higher Learning Commission visit and considered several key strategic issues with the administration, including the Henry Ford Health + MSU Health Sciences partnership and enrollment initiatives.

 

Audit, Risk and Compliance Committee

• Strengthened the board’s conflict-of-interest policy to provide clearer guidance to board members and enhance conflict management and disclosure processes.
• Reviewed revisions to the auditor rotation policy, an essential aspect of maintaining the integrity of the annual financial audit process.

• Continued to fulfill its key fiduciary responsibility surrounding the audited financial statements, meeting with external auditors and the chief financial officer to ensure the institution’s fiscal health and integrity remain fundamentally sound.
• Extended its gratitude to staff in the Office of Finance, the Office of General Counsel, the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Education and Compliance, the Office of Research and Innovation, the Department of Police and Public Safety, the Office of the Chief Information Officer, and the Office of Audit, Risk and Compliance for their engagement on a variety of topics this year. We look forward to more productive discussions in 2025.

 

Budget and Finance Committee

• Approved over $810 million in capital investments in 2024. Four notable projects that demonstrate support for the strategic plan include:
  • Research building in Detroit: A $335 million project approved in April 2024, this facility will provide research space for the MSU-Henry Ford Health partnership, focusing on cancer, neuroscience, immunology, infectious diseases, health inequities, disparities, and social determinants of health.
  • Plant and Environmental Sciences Building: A $200 million project scheduled to open in March 2027 will expand MSU’s capabilities in research at the intersection of plants and the environment, addressing challenges in agriculture and natural settings.
  • Dairy Cattle Teaching and Research Center: A $75 million facility, supported by $30 million in state of Michigan funding, is under construction and expected to open in fall 2025. This project will enhance research, education and outreach for Michigan’s farmers and workforce development.
  • Wilson Hall renovation: Approved for planning to support the new Tech Engineering degree program, which integrates engineering and technology curricula to prepare students for modern multidisciplinary challenges. The program aligns with state workforce goals and industry demands.
• Approved a $3.65 billion budget in June, with funding supporting the strategic plan, including investments in:
  • Student success, such as advising support and financial aid.
  • Faculty and staff compensation, benefits and new hiring.
  • Research, including the Henry Ford Health partnership and the new Plant and Environmental Sciences Building.

 

Student Life and Culture Committee

• Student wellness:
  • Reviewed student engagement with recreational sports and wellness. Intramural facility usage has returned to pre-COVID-19 levels, with 2,000 participants in 94 fitness classes and 5,895 participants in intramural sports.
  • Oversaw progress on the new Student Recreation and Wellness Center, which remains on budget for a spring 2026 opening.
  • Discussed the state of student mental health, recent enhancements to mental health services, and the need for additional resources.
• Student engagement:
  • Met with the president and student leaders at the start of the fall semester, a practice that will continue in the spring.
  • Coordinated with student affairs staff to plan another engagement opportunity with student leaders in spring 2025, building on this year’s successful discussions about issues, priorities and suggestions.
• Student-athlete support:
  • Met with Student Athlete Support Services staff and student-athletes. Currently:
    • • ently:
        • 630 student-athletes are enrolled in 128 majors across 12 colleges, including 39 in the Honors College.
        • The cumulative GPA of student-athletes is 3.3.