MSU Today with Russ White

“MSU helps students learn to pivot, persevere, and overcome challenges.”

Michigan State University Executive Director of Admissions John Ambrose talks about the challenges and issues facing higher education admissions.

MSU students Ryan Weingarden and Quiana Kelly join the conversation. They talk about why they chose MSU for college, the pressure points they felt during the application and admissions process, and factors to keep in mind when choosing a college. 

The trio reinforces facts and dispels myths about the college admissions process.

Conversation Highlights:

(0:43) – Ryan and Quiana introduce themselves.

(2:15...

State of the State is the monthly round up of policy and research for the state of Michigan from Michigan State University’s Institute for Public Policy and Social Research (IPPSR). Matt Grossmann and Arnold Weinfeld from IPPSR are joined by economist Charley Ballard to discuss the latest in politics and the economy.

Bryan Beverly is director of the Office of K-12 Outreach in MSU’s College of Education. He and members of the team join the conversation to talk about their work on how school districts are responding to expiring COVID-19 funds.

Conversation Highlights:

In a bold demonstration of philanthropic leadership and long-standing commitment to Michigan State University, the MSU Research Foundation has designated $75 million over the next eight years to support the university’s comprehensive campaign, Uncommon Will, Far Better World.

The nonprofit foundation’s $75 million of financial support to MSU reinforces its decades-long partnership with Michigan State University, advancing research, innovation and student success through strategic funding over the next eight years.

Conversation Highlights:

(0:39) - David Washburn is CEO of the MSU Research Foundation. 

(1:52) - Randy Cowen is chair of the MSU Research Found...

New Michigan State University Vice President and Director of Intercollegiate Athletics J Batt was introduced to Spartan Nation at an introductory press conference on June 4 in the Greg and Dawn Williams Lobby of the Tom Izzo Football Building on the MSU campus.

Conversation Highlights:

(0:00) – Opening remarks from President Guskiewicz

(3:11) – President Guskiewicz introduces Tom Izzo.

(8:22) – President Guskiewicz continues his remarks.

(12:45) – President Guskiewicz introduces J Batt.

Related Content: Meet new MSU Spartans Athletic Director J Batt

Questions from the media for Kevin and J

(20:16...

J Batt is Michigan State University’s new vice president and director of intercollegiate athletics. 

Batt’s contract and appointment as vice president and director of intercollegiate athletics will be voted on by the Board of Trustees at its June 13 meeting, he will start the week of June 16.

Conversation Highlights:

(0:29) - Give us a bit of your background. Your name is Jason, but you go by J? Is there a story there?

(0:52) - You first met President Kevin Guskiewicz when you were a student athlete at UNC (he played soccer there), and y...

Eric Olmscheid is executive director of Michigan State University’s Wharton Center for Performing Arts.

Olmscheid reflects on his first three years leading Wharton Center. He talks about challenges and opportunities ahead for the arts, and he describes some highlights of the center’s coming season. He shares several examples that show the center’s commitment to its education and engagement mission. He also describes how important donors are to Wharton Center’s mission.

Conversation Highlights:

(0:14) – Have you settled into Wharton Center, MSU, and the community now that you’ve been leading Wharton Center for t...

Michigan State University President Kevin M. Guskiewicz, Ph.D. has selected Laura Lee McIntyre as MSU’s next provost and executive vice president for academic affairs following a comprehensive, national search. 

As provost, McIntyre will be the chief academic officer for the university, providing leadership for academic programs and research and outreach involving faculty, students and staff. Her planned start date is August 4, 2025, and she will also serve as MSU Research Foundation Professor in the Department of
Counseling, Educational Psychology and Special Education.

Laura Lee currently serves as dean of the college of education and...

For decades, Michigan State University has been working with partners in Detroit to support the city’s economic development, advance the arts, transform schools, improve health and protect the environment. And, after a successful and illuminating trip with visits along the western Lower Peninsula of Michigan in the fall of 2024, this May, the Spartan Bus Tour headed to Detroit.

Just as the inaugural Spartan Bus Tour demonstrated how Spartans are making a difference across the state, a tour of metro Detroit illustrated how the partnerships between the city and Michigan State are changing our state for the be...

State of the State is the monthly round up of policy and research for the state of Michigan from Michigan State University’s Institute for Public Policy and Social Research (IPPSR). Matt Grossmann and Arnold Weinfeld from IPPSR are joined by economist Charley Ballard to discuss the latest in politics and the economy.

MSU Supply Chain Professor Jason Miller joins the trio to discuss the trade and tariff issues dominating the news.

Conversation Highlights:

(1:14) – Ballard unpacks the latest numbers showing a shrinking national economy. And he talks about Michigan’s unemployment numbers showing an inc...

The next few weeks are critical, says WKAR Public Media General Manager Shawn Turner. As Congress prepares to vote on the issue of federal funding for public media, the most important voices that will influence the decisions of lawmakers are yours.

Approximately $1.60 is the amount each taxpayer contributes to federal funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. That $1.60 is seed money for a national system of local public television and radio stations. 

Shawn Turner joins me now to expound on the value of public media. Americans receive a lot of public services in communities across t...

All MSU USAID programs have been cut as the federal government seeks to reshape higher education and cut what it sees as wasteful spending. At MSU, nine direct and five flow-through USAID projects were terminated, amounting to more than $20 million in funding lost. 

USAID is a government agency that provides international humanitarian assistance. The agency provides an array of programs and aid, some of which is done through grants given to universities for projects that provide help to countries in need. (State News – April 17, 2025).

Feed the Global Resource Lead for the Future Biotech Pot...

Michigan State University Spartans Basketball Coach Tom Izzo met with the media on April 16 to discuss the state of the sport he loves and all of college athletics.

Conversation Highlights:

(0:00) – Tom’s opening remarks. “We’ve created a bad system, and it’s not specific to MSU. My biggest concern is that people are in the ears of the players all year. The portal is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. I’m worried about the kids; the pressure on them is enormous.”

(10:24) – How do you manage the outside money? –...

The Izzo family has partnered with Playmakers to host this premium experience on the campus of Michigan State University. The mission is to connect alumni and the MSU and Mid-Michigan communities in a positive celebration of Coach Izzo's legacy. 

The events include a 5K run/walk, 5K roll, 1/2 K walk/roll, kids' races and a virtual 5K. All events will focus on fitness, fun, family, Spartan spirit and charitable giving.

Proceeds from the 2025 Izzo Run/Walk/Roll will continue to support an endowment for The Izzo Legacy that will ensure charitable giving for years to c...

Barbara O’Brien is a Professor of Law at the MSU College of Law at Michigan State University. And she’s editor of the National Registry of Exonerations. 

The National Registry of Exonerations records exonerations won by exonerators such as Innocence Organizations, Conviction Integrity Units, and law school clinics. 

The registry captures statistics and analyzes trends, which are used by social justice advocates, legislative policymakers, legal scholars and researchers, and the media.

The second week or April is National Crime Victims’ Rights Week.

Conversation Highlights:

(0:53) - What’s your background...

State of the State is the monthly round up of policy and research for the state of Michigan from Michigan State University’s Institute for Public Policy and Social Research (IPPSR). Matt Grossmann and Arnold Weinfeld from IPPSR are joined by economist Charley Ballard to discuss the latest in politics and the economy.

Matt is away this month. Arnold and Charley welcome MSU ecological economist Robert Richardson to this month’s episode. Richardson is interested in the study of the environment and development. He recently led a team at MSU to study attitudes towards recycling in Michigan, espe...

Michigan State University School of Journalism alumna and Ilitch Sports + Entertainment broadcast reporter for the Detroit Tigers and Detroit Red Wings Daniella Bruce joins me on this episode of MSU Today to share her Spartan Story.

Bruce tells why she chose to attend MSU and how the university impacted her and prepared her for her career. She describes her new TV role with the Tigers and Red Wings and talks about the trend toward streaming of sports programming. 

She offers her advice for students today who want to follow in her footsteps and talks about c...

Michigan State University is working toward climate neutrality by mid-century, doing its part to address the global climate crisis within our own community and on our own campus. 

The goal is to provide exemplary stewardship of institutional resources to foster the long-term sustainability of MSU and its high-quality education, research and outreach and engagement programs

Ultimately, a desire to achieve climate neutrality.

Joining MSU Vice President for Strategic Initiatives Bill Beekman on this episode of MSU Today to discuss the electrification of the MSU fleet are Adam Lawv...

The Michigan State University College of Law is home to eight law clinics, each specializing in a public service area of the law that provides professional legal counsel to the most vulnerable people in society. 

Each clinic is directed by licensed attorneys who are members of the MSU Law faculty and staffed by law students who gain critical hands-on research and litigation experience. The clinics provide pro bono legal services and have won important cases for clients across the country.

MSU Law clinics cover the following areas of the law: immigration, family and juvenile law, h...

Assistant Dean for University Advising Ebony Green and Vice President for Strategic Initiatives Bill Beekman discuss the evolution of the Student Success Pillar of the MSU 2030 Strategic Plan.

Objective 1 of the theme is to strengthen MSU’s ability to attract and meet the needs, goals and aspirations of dynamic undergraduate students from all backgrounds. And a strategy is to ensure all students have high-quality academic and career advising that grows with them from admission through graduation 

Conversation Highlights:

(0:42) – How is MSU 2030 evolving? “Refresh, Reframe, and Reimagine”

(5...

On this episode of MSU Today we’ll examine the role of race and identity in receiving and comprehending news. We’ll do so with Michigan State University College of Communication Arts and Sciences scholars Christina Myers and Marisa Smith.

Marisa Smith is an assistant professor of advertising and journalism. Through investigating the effects of political information, including disinformation, she examines the influence of race, identity, and politics on public policy support, political polarization, civic engagement, and political opinion.

Christina Myers is an assistant professor of journalism. Her research bridges concepts of Critical Race Theory and...

Michigan State University professors Jason Miller, a supply chain management expert, and David Ortega, a food economics and policy expert, explain what tariffs are and discuss the significance of Trump imposing tariffs on these three nations.

Conversation Highlights:

(0:47) – Jason, how long have you been at MSU, and what attracted you here?

(1:07) – David, how long have you been at MSU, and what attracted you here?

(1:34) – David, describe your research interests.

(2:37) – Jason, what are your research interests?

(3:48) – What are tariffs, and what are they designed to do?

(6:30) – How will tar...

Michigan State University, which believes in the collective responsibility to support and advocate for the equitable health and well-being of students, faculty and staff, on February 19 announced that it has adopted the Okanagan Charter as a member of the U.S. Health Promoting Campuses Network, or USHPCN. 

“We are excited to affirm our commitment to supporting health and well-being for all MSU students, faculty and staff by formally adopting the Okanagan Charter,” said Alexis Travis, assistant provost and executive director of University Health and Wellbeing. “The action lets students and employees who choose MSU know that we are com...

State of the State is the monthly round up of policy and research for the state of Michigan from Michigan State University’s Institute for Public Policy and Social Research (IPPSR). Matt Grossmann and Arnold Weinfeld from IPPSR are joined by economist Charley Ballard to discuss the latest in politics and the economy.

On this episode, the trio discusses the short- and long-term political and economic impacts of tariffs. 

Conversation Highlights:

(1:08) – What are the political impacts of tariffs, and what do you make of the UAW’s support for them? Is this a trade w...

Welcome to another episode of Kevin’s Conversations on MSU Today. Kevin is Michigan State University President Kevin Guskiewicz, who joins me occasionally to elaborate on key initiatives he’s leading to guide MSU into its vibrant future. Today, Kevin welcomes the co-chairs of MSU’s Health Sciences Council.

The Health Sciences Council was convened under the guidance of the Office of the President to advise and support collaboration on curriculum, interprofessional education, clinical care and the development of strategies to enhance our performance in biomedical and public health research. 

In today’s e...

Ubuntu is an ancient African word meaning “humanity to others”. It is often described as reminding us that “I am what I am because of who we all are.” It is a traditional African philosophy that emphasizes the interdependence of all people and the importance of community. 

Core values of Ubuntu are: Compassion: Expressing compassion for others; Reciprocity: Treating others as you would want to be treated; Dignity: Valuing the dignity of all people; Humanity: Showing humanity to others; Mutuality: Working together for the benefit of the community.

Upenyu Majee and Halla Jones are working to establish...

Give Green Day is MSU’s university-wide day of philanthropy featuring unique giving priorities from across campus, all geared to supporting student success. ​
​
The goal is to provide an opportunity for all MSU connected programs to raise awareness for their funding needs and to encourage vital donations for their programs through outreach to alumni and friends of the university.​
​

The Michigan State University Federal Credit Union is lead sponsor for Give Green Day 2025 and, along with MSU’s Office of the President, is providing a $100,000 challenge gift. The challenge gifts are used to incentivize giving by ke...

John A. Hannah Distinguished Professor of Management and Psychology Quinetta Roberson and Assistant Professor of Communication Stephen Spates share their thoughts on the state and future of diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in the workplace.

Conversation Highlights: 

(0:29) – Quinetta on her background and what brought her to MSU.

(1:45) – Stephen on his background and what brought him to MSU.

(3:25) – Stephen on his research interests.

(5:18) – Quinetta on how her research interests have evolved.

(7:52) – What is the state of diversity, equity, and inclusion issues today? – “People are reacting to the terminology rather than wha...

Welcome to another episode of Kevin’s Conversations on MSU Today. Kevin is Michigan State University President Kevin Guskiewicz, who joins me occasionally to elaborate on key initiatives he’s leading to guide MSU into its vibrant future. Today, Kevin welcomes the co-chairs of his newly created Green and White Council.

President Guskiewicz recently announced this significant progress of one of his premier initiatives by appointing former Bank of America executive and Michigan State University alumnus Matt Elliott and Broad College of Business Dean Emeritus and Professor Sanjay Gupta as co-chairs of the university’s much-an...

Carmen Bradford is jazz royalty and a 2024 Grammy Award winner for “Basie Swings the Blues – the Count Basie Orchestra.” She’s been nominated five times for Grammy Awards and is the recipient of the Los Angeles Jazz Society's Jazz Vocalist Award. 

With her body of work, which reflects her vast experience, versatility, and technical brilliance, she has carved out her place in jazz history, and she continues to contribute to the preservation of this uniquely American art form.

In August 2024, Carmen joined the faculty as associate professor of jazz voice in the Jazz Studies program in the Co...

The Michigan State University College of Law is home to eight law clinics, each specializing in a public service area of the law that provides professional legal counsel to the most vulnerable people in society. 

Each clinic is directed by licensed attorneys who are members of the MSU Law faculty and staffed by law students who gain critical hands-on research and litigation experience. The clinics provide pro bono legal services and have won important cases for clients across the country.

MSU Law clinics cover the following areas of the law: immigration, fam...

Teresa Dunn is a Mexican American artist raised in rural Southern Illinois. Her identity, life, and art are influenced by her racial and cultural heritages and the complexities of being a brown woman in the Midwest.

She came to MSU in 2006 and is a professor of painting and drawing in the Department of Art, Art History, and Design in MSU’s College of Arts and Letters.

On this episode of MSU Today, she talks about her path to MSU and what inspires and motivates her art. And she describes her piece comm...

State of the State is the monthly round up of policy and research for the state of Michigan from Michigan State University’s Institute for Public Policy and Social Research (IPPSR). Matt Grossmann and Arnold Weinfeld from IPPSR are joined by economist Charley Ballard to discuss the latest in politics and the economy.

Former Michigan Congressman and Governor and U.S. Ambassador to Canada Jim Blanchard joins the trio to discuss the impact of potential tariffs on Canada.

Conversation Highlights:

(1:07) – Grossmann on the politics of President Trump’s executi...

Eli Sussman grew up in the Detroit suburb of Huntington Woods. After graduating from Berkley High School, MSU’s James Madison College felt like a natural next step. 

“One of the great things about James Madison is that the classes are small, and the conversation is lively,” says Sussman. “I thrived in that atmosphere.” 

Perhaps that’s because lively conversation has always been part of his life. Family was important in the Sussman house, and eating dinner together was a central component in the lives of his large circle.  

Sussman says...

Michigan State University alumna Heidi Przybyla is an award-winning investigative and television correspondent who is championing new approaches to reporting and delivering news that put the American people first. 

She is a veteran journalist who has regularly broken exclusive reporting on how White House, congressional and presidential policy impacts everyday Americans and on the state of democracy at home. Her reporting has spanned leading newspaper, digital, radio and television outlets. 

She’s appeared on CNN, PBS, NPR, CBS, ABC, FOX and across NBC News platforms.

Conversation Highlights:

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Teresa K. Woodruff joined an elite group of Americans who have received two national medals of honor when President Joe Biden announced the latest recipients of the National Medal of Science on Jan. 3.  

Arati Prabhakar, director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, presented Woodruff with the medal at a ceremony at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building in Washington, D.C., on the same date.

The first person from Michigan State University to receive the National Medal of Science, Woodruff has made significant global contributions in scientific research, improvements to th...

State of the State is the monthly round up of policy and research for the state of Michigan from Michigan State University’s Institute for Public Policy and Social Research (IPPSR). Matt Grossmann and Arnold Weinfeld from IPPSR are joined by economist Charley Ballard to discuss the latest in politics and the economy. 

MSU sociologist Stephanie Nawyn joins the group to discuss Michigan residents’ attitudes on immigration and refugees.

Conversation Highlights:

(2:15) – Ballard on impacts on the economy – tariffs, EV subsidies, and public health. Michigan has the busiest border cross...

Michigan State University has announced the appointment of Alan Prather as director of the Beal Botanical Garden and Campus Arboretum. Prather has served as interim director since October 2021.

Morgan Butts is director of communications and marketing for University Arts and Collections.

Conversation Highlights:

(0:43) – Describe your background and scholarship.

(2:02) – Talk about the history and evolving mission of the garden. And what is rewilding?

(3:23) - Beal Scholars Internship Program

(4:47) - Red Cedar Riverbank Restoration research

(5:39...

Three Spartan alumni siblings – Dave Porteous, Bill Porteous, and Ruth Porteous Hamilton – had often thought of ways they could honor their parents, who had attended Michigan State College between 1937-1942.

When the siblings learned of the project to renovate Campbell Hall into an Honors College living-learning community, they were immediately interested in helping to fund it because their parents – William and Mable Porteous – had met at Campbell Hall.

Years later, the three siblings all followed their parents’ footsteps to MSU. Now, together with their spouses and families, they have pledged $1 million to renovate...

Rebecca DeVooght is the vice president for Government Relations at MSU. 

She describes the professional journey that led her back to her alma mater. She talks about the evolving mission of the Office of Government Relations. She talks about deepening relationships with new leaders at all levels of government and how MSU can evolve to meet the needs of Michigan even better than it already does. She describes the biggest policy issues facing higher education in the next few years and how MSU is positioning itself to address them.

Conversation Highlights:

Joyce deJong is the dean of the Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine. An alumna of the college, she began her appointment on Feb. 5, 2024. 

Earlier this year, she had the opportunity to deploy to North Carolina with the Disaster Mortuary Operational Response Team (DMORT) under the National Disaster Medical System (NDMS) following the devastating impact of Hurricane Helene. Her team, composed of members from across the country, gathered in Charlotte before heading out to assist with the mission. 

Conversation Highlights:

(1:08) - What is DMORT? What’s the mis...