October 2024 roundup
MSU Board of Trustees reaffirms support for Engineering and Digital Innovation Center in capital outlay request
The MSU Board of Trustees has approved a $70 million capital outlay request to the state for the third consecutive year to support the Engineering and Digital Innovation Center. The center aims to foster a transformative ecosystem integrating digital and physical technologies, such as semiconductor research and chip-based system testing through the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams. This investment will bolster industry needs and unite teaching, learning and research efforts across six MSU colleges. With $30 million already allocated in July 2023, the total state funding could reach $100 million toward the center’s estimated $340 million cost.
Contact: Mark Bullion, University Communications: media@msu.edu or 517-353-7077
Long-term ground lease for renewable natural gas
During today’s meeting, trustees also approved a resolution that will allow the administration to enter into a long-term ground lease with Consumers Energy to establish a Renewable Natural Gas, or RNG, treatment facility in proximity to the Anaerobic Digestion Research and Education Center. Anaerobic digestion technology mitigates greenhouse gas emissions, provides a renewable source of energy and can contribute to clean energy transition goals. MSU was the first U.S. university to build and operate an anaerobic digester.
Contact: Mark Bullion, University Communications: media@msu.edu or 517-353-7077
Board of Trustees approves updates to Conflict of Interest Policy
The Board of Trustees approved revisions to the board’s Conflict of Interest Policy (BOT 103). Originally established in 2006 and last updated in 2020, the policy’s latest amendments introduce key clarifications to trustee responsibilities and the university’s governance standards. Notable changes include refined definitions of fiduciary duties, a clearer outline of conflict disclosure protocols, and an annual conflict disclosure requirement for board members. The updated policy also stipulates that trustees must recuse themselves from decisions presenting conflicts of interest or potential appearances of such conflicts. Additionally, former trustees will adhere to confidentiality requirements post-service. The revisions, guided by peer benchmarking within Big Ten universities, aim to enhance public trust and ensure trustees’ alignment with MSU’s mission and ethical standards.
Contact: Mark Bullion, University Communications: media@msu.edu or 517-353-7077
MSU board approves renovation for Anthony Hall to enhance safety and energy efficiency
The Board of Trustees approved a renovation project for Anthony Hall, focusing on structural updates through the “Building Envelope Renewal” initiative. The project will replace the original 1955 roof with a new slate shingled roof, add gutters and downspouts, install insulation to improve energy efficiency, and address water intrusion and ice buildup issues. These upgrades aim to enhance pedestrian safety and extend the building’s exterior lifespan and are funded by the university’s capital renewal funds as part of MSU’s commitment to modernizing campus infrastructure.
Contact: Erica Venton, ipf.communications@msu.edu, 517-897-7567
MSU board of trustees updates Real Estate Policy to enhance flexibility
The MSU Board of Trustees approved revisions to Policy 614, the Real Estate Policy, enhancing administrative flexibility in real estate transactions. The updated policy allows the president to acquire or sell property without board approval in urgent situations, such as preventing harm, meeting deadlines or achieving cost savings, with consultation from the Budget and Finance Committee chair and the board chair. A report will be provided at the next board meeting. The revisions clarify the administration’s role in securing real estate rights pending board approval, streamline the delegation of authority to the president, and address real estate gifts, requiring board approval for those with associated costs.
Contact: Mark Bullion, University Communications: media@msu.edu or 517-353-7077
Professor Angela Chen presents to MSU board on tech-driven strategies to boost youth vaccination
Angela Chia-Chen Chen, a professor and McLaren Greater Lansing Endowed Chair for Behavioral Mental Health Nursing Education, recently presented to the MSU Board of Trustees on using technology to promote youth vaccination. Her research focuses on technology-based prevention programs to improve mental and behavioral health in vulnerable populations.
Contact: Kristofer Karol, karolkri@msu.edu, 517-884-7042
MSU updates research policy to reflect modern standards
Michigan State University has revised its research policy to align with current federal, state and local regulations for all researchers, including faculty, staff, students and administrators. The updated policy expands coverage to all university members involved in research, introduces definitions for export controls, trade sanctions and research security, and provides links to relevant guidelines in the MSU Faculty Handbook and Graduate Student Rights and Responsibilities.
Contact: Mark Bullion, University Communications: media@msu.edu or 517-353-7077
MSU board approves new bylaws for health care integration
The Board of Trustees adopted amended bylaws for MSU Health Care, Inc., aimed at updating governance and facilitating a partnership with Henry Ford Health System. The revisions reflect operational changes needed after six years of growth and pave the way for clinical integration with Henry Ford’s medical group. The revised bylaws position MSU Health Care for growth, improving coordination with Henry Ford to expand patient access to specialized services and research. These updates mark a strategic step in enhancing MSU’s health care delivery while maintaining governance standards, effective immediately.
Contact: Mark Bullion, University Communications: media@msu.edu or 517-353-7077
MSU board approves research agreements advancing defense electronics and carbon emission technology
The MSU Board of Trustees approved two key research agreements to advance innovative technologies. The first, a $751,068 sponsored research agreement with Great Lakes Crystal Technologies, Inc., is funded by the U.S. Department of Defense’s Applied Research Institute. It focuses on developing high-performance diamond electronics, specifically diamond diodes and transistors, to improve next-generation defense systems. The research will be conducted at MSU’s Engineering Research Complex, led by Associate Professor Edward Gebara, with Professor Timothy Grotjohn, who has a financial interest in the company as a collaborator.
The second agreement is with IORA Nature Tech, Inc., to develop a digital platform for measuring, reporting and verifying forest and tree carbon emissions using remote sensing and deep machine learning. This license agreement runs through April 2025, with Professor David Skole and Research Assistant Jay Samek, who have stakes in the company, playing key roles. These initiatives reflect MSU’s commitment to fostering technological advancements through strategic partnerships.
Contact: Mark Bullion, University Communications: media@msu.edu or 517-353-7077
Faculty appointments with tenure
- Kimberly Arcoleo, Ph.D., professor, College of Nursing, effective Oct. 25, 2024.
- Danielle Renee Filipiak, Ph.D., associate professor, Department of English, effective Jan. 1, 2025.
- Caroline Mansfield, DVM, professor, Department of Small Animal and Clinical Sciences, effective Jan. 13, 2025.
Other personal actions
- Richard Czarnecki, B.S., associate vice president, MSU IT Office of the ACIO, and interim chief information officer, Department of IT Services VP and CIO, for a change in title to chief information officer, Department of IT Services VP and CIO, effective Oct. 1, 2024.
- It is recommended that the title of vice president and university spokesperson be changed to vice president and chief communications officer and that all applicable policy documents be revised to reflect the new title change, effective Oct. 25, 2024.
- Emily Guerrant, M.A., vice president and university spokesperson for a title change to vice president and chief communications officer, effective Oct. 25, 2024.
- It is recommended that the title of vice president for marketing, public relations, and digital strategy be changed to vice president and chief marketing officer and that all applicable policy documents be revised to reflect the new title change, effective Oct. 25, 2024.
- Heather Swain, B.A., vice president for marketing, public relations, and digital strategy for a title change to vice president and chief marketing officer, effective Oct. 25, 2024.
- It is recommended that the title of vice president and chief safety officer change, effective Nov. 11, 2024, and that all applicable policy documents be revised to reflect this change.
- It is recommended that the title of senior vice president of student life and engagement change, effective Jan. 1, 2025, and that all applicable policy documents be revised to reflect this change.
- It is recommended that the title of vice president for student affairs be created, effective Jan. 1, 2025.
- Michael Sant’Ambrogio, J.D., professor, College of Law, and interim dean, College of Law, for a change in title to dean, effective Oct. 25, 2024.