February 2025 roundup
Board approves University Advancement office space renovation project
The Board of Trustees approved a renovation project for University Advancement offices in Spartan Stadium. The renovation, focused on the second and third floors of Spartan Stadium’s office tower, aims to create flexible spaces for donor engagement and optimize office efficiency. The project will free up 8,300 square feet for other institutional needs while improving accessibility with new single-occupant and personal health rooms. The renovations will position MSU to strengthen alumni relations and advance its philanthropic efforts.
Contact: Amber McCann, University Communications and Marketing: 248-703-5191, mccanna3@msu.edu
Board approves a $10 million outdoor tennis facility upgrade
The Board of Trustees approved a resolution to authorize the administration to proceed with a $10 million renovation of the university’s outdoor tennis courts and the construction of a new support building. The project aims to modernize MSU’s tennis facilities by rebuilding deteriorating courts, enhancing spectator areas, and adding a dedicated support building. The facility will include restrooms, locker rooms and team spaces, addressing the program’s longstanding need for dedicated resources. The upgrades are fully funded by a donor gift and will complement the Clara Bell Smith Academic Center, reinforcing MSU’s commitment to student-athlete development.
Contact: Amber McCann, University Communications and Marketing: 248-703-5191, mccanna3@msu.edu
Presentations: Pancreatic cancer research and Student Veterans Resource Center
During its first public meeting of 2025, the MSU Board of Trustees received a research presentation about progress being made in pancreatic cancer research from doctors Jennifer Klomp with the MSU College of Human Medicine and Howard Crawford with Henry Ford Health and the MSU College of Human Medicine. Their collective research exemplifies the collaborative work that is being done as part of the Henry Ford Health + Michigan State University Health Sciences partnership to improve health outcomes.
Trustees also received a presentation on MSU’s Student Veterans Resource Center, or SVRC, from Director Patrick Forystek. The SVRC opened in January 2015 and supports over 2,400 military-connected students at MSU, more than 2,000 military dependents and over 800 GI Bill users. Programs such as the Peer Advisors for Veteran Education, the Warrior-Scholar Project and PsychArmor provide opportunities for Spartan veterans to build community and thrive at Michigan State.
Contact: Dalin Clark, University Communications and Marketing: 616-308-8590, dalin.clark@msu.edu
Board approves Farm Lane road and utility reconstruction planning
The board approved a resolution to authorize planning for the Farm Lane road and utility reconstruction project. The initiative aims to improve infrastructure along Farm Lane from Wilson Road to North Shaw Lane, enhancing safety and accessibility for vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists. The proposed plan includes reconstructing roadways, intersections and pedestrian crossings, as well as installing modernized utility systems. Key upgrades involve relocating electrical and communication lines, replacing aging water mains and expanding steam distribution for improved reliability. The project also prioritizes sustainability and future campus growth by enhancing stormwater and sanitary sewer systems.
Contact: Erica Venton, Infrastructure Planning and Facilities: ipf.communications@msu.edu, 517-897-7567
Board approves a long-term lease for Morris Property cell tower
The Board of Trustees approved a resolution to authorize a long-term lease renewal with American Tower for a cell tower located on the Morris Property in Clinton County, Grand Ledge. The lease, initially established in 1998 and inherited by MSU through a property gift in 2009, provides a source of revenue for endowment accounts supporting the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. The proposed renewal extends the lease for a five-year term from 2025 to 2029, with the option for additional five-year extensions for up to 25 years.
Contact: Erica Venton, Infrastructure Planning and Facilities: ipf.communications@msu.edu, 517-897-7567
Board approves enhancements to tuition benefit program
Board members approved proposed revisions to its Course Fee Courtesy policy, BOT 304, during its Feb. 7 meeting. The policy, which provides a tuition discount for dependents of eligible MSU employees, has not been updated since 2002. Key revisions include increasing the credit cap from 120 to 134, granting immediate eligibility for fixed-term faculty and support staff, and refining the definition of dependent children. The 50% in-state tuition discount will remain unchanged. The policy revisions will take effect in August 2025, benefiting an estimated 167 additional students annually.
Contact: Amber McCann, University Communications and Marketing: 248-703-5191, mccanna3@msu.edu
Board approves health care bylaws revision
The board approved the revisions to the MSU Health Care, Inc. bylaws on Feb. 7. The changes align governance with the clinical integration agreement between MSU and Henry Ford Health System. The updated bylaws will remove the CEO position and establish a lead executive role for day-to-day operations. The revisions reflect ongoing efforts to streamline leadership as MSU Health Care clinics transition to Henry Ford Health management in 2026.
Contact: Amber McCann, University Communications and Marketing: 248-703-5191, mccanna3@msu.edu
Board approves the reappointment of Plante & Moran as external auditors
The Board of Trustees approved the reappointment of Plante & Moran as the university’s external auditors for the 2024-25 fiscal year. The firm, first appointed in 2019 under the university’s auditor rotation policy, is eligible for reappointment for the final year of its six-year term. The audit will include MSU’s financial statements, WKAR operations, federal awards and compliance with NCAA regulations. The Audit, Risk and Compliance Committee recommended the approval at a contracted fee of $416,500.
Contact: Amber McCann, University Communications and Marketing: 248-703-5191, mccanna3@msu.edu
Board reviewed and approved conflict of interest contract approvals
Board of Trustees reviewed and approved two sponsored research agreements with Advertent Biotherapeutics, Inc. and Jolt Energy Storage Technologies, LLC on Feb. 7. The agreements, totaling more than $72,000 in funding, involve MSU faculty members with financial ties to the companies. The projects focus on muscle degeneration prevention and energy storage technologies. The Audit, Risk and Compliance Committee recommended approval to ensure transparency and adherence to MSU’s conflict-of-interest policies.
Contact: Amber McCann, University Communications and Marketing: 248-703-5191, mccanna3@msu.edu
Faculty appointments with tenure
- Titus Awokuse, Ph.D. — associate dean, International Studies and Programs, for a change in title to vice provost and dean for International Studies and Programs, effective Jan. 15, 2025.