February 2024 roundup
Research presentation: Jennifer Johnson on suicide prevention research
Michigan State University, one of the top public research universities and a member of the Association of American Universities, is actively engaged in a set of significant research projects aimed at reducing suicide rates. Jennifer Johnson, C.S. Mott Endowed Professor of Public Health, underscored the timely connection of appropriate resources to those in need. This research is a collaborative effort between MSU, Henry Ford Health and Brown University, funded by a $15.5 million grant from the National Institute of Mental Health. It specifically targets individuals who have had interactions with the criminal-legal system.
Contact: Jill Vondrasek, C.S. Mott Department of Public Health: (810) 600-9185; jill.vondrasek@hc.msu.edu
Investment in top-ranked MSU School of Packaging will expand building, research
The Board of Trustees has authorized the planning of a major expansion for the MSU School of Packaging, representing a $25 million investment. This initiative will double the size of the building and significantly enhance research capacity, providing more space for faculty and graduate students. Housed within the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, the MSU School of Packaging consistently attains top rankings in its field. It is the largest packaging program in the country, boasting over 600 undergraduate and graduate students and a network of 10,000 alumni worldwide.
Contacts: Kelly Kussmaul, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources: (517) 242-9790, kussmau3@msu.edu; Mark Bullion, University Communications: (517) 353-7077, media@msu.edu
Board of Trustees approves renovation of historic Campbell Hall
Campbell Hall, one of the oldest residence halls on MSU’s campus, is poised for a significant renovation this summer, following the Board of Trustees’ authorization during today’s public meeting. Work is scheduled to commence in May 2024, with an expected reopening in August 2025. The Campbell Hall renovation reaffirms MSU’s commitment to enhancing the student experience, both through upgrading the physical campus environment and by establishing the first dedicated residence hall for the MSU Honors College.
Contact: Mark Bullion, University Communications: (517) 353-7077, bullionm@msu.edu
Board of Trustees approved updates to its naming policy
In alignment with the university’s new policy library and review practices, the Board of Trustees has approved updates to its naming policy.
These revisions include:
- Expanding the composition of the committee, including designating the Vice President of Advancement as the chair of the committee and a dean as vice chair of the committee.
- Including more detail on the types of information that will be considered in proposals for the naming of buildings and facilities.
- Delineating an explicit process by which a previously approved naming can be changed or removed.
- Establishing a threshold ($2,500,000) above which board approval is required for the naming of a building or facility.
Contact: Dan Olsen, University Advancement: olsenda2@msu.edu
Faculty appointments with tenure
- Hao Zhang, Ph.D. – AN, Professor, Department of Statistics and Probability, effective May 16, 2024.
- The board is authorized to execute such documents and agreements as may be necessary regarding Interim President Teresa K. Woodruff’s return to the faculty in the departments of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology and Biomedical Engineering.
The next Board of Trustees public meeting will be April 12, 2024.