Historically, state funding for higher education has declined over the last several decades. In 1985, 58% of MSU’s general operations came from state funding. Today, that number is approximately 20%.
“Michigan State University appreciates and thanks Governor Gretchen Whitmer and the state legislature for their critical investment in higher education this year,” said MSU President Samuel L. Stanley Jr., M.D. “Funding from the state is essential in supporting our mission and values in providing a quality, equitable, best-in-class education.”
An additional $72.6 million in state funding will help back several projects and programs at MSU. A significant portion of the funding, $53 million, will support renovations at two critical facilities at the forefront of agriculture — the greenhouse complexes and the Dairy Cattle Teaching and Research Center.
The greenhouse complexes, which were largely constructed before 1978, serve over 60 faculty researchers, around 400 students and staff from three MSU colleges. The research and outreach that take place in the greenhouses provide Michigan’s diverse growers with state-specific insights into soil, climate, pests and weeds.
The MSU dairy farm is over 60 years old; a 2021 fire destroyed a dairy feed barn, underscoring the need for a modernized, safe facility. Dairy is the leading contributor to Michigan’s agricultural economy, and the state dairy industry relies on MSU to train future farm managers and advance research in support of both production and environmental sustainability.
“We’re so grateful to our partners who advocated for us to receive this funding: the agricultural commodity groups, legislators and industry leaders,” said Kelly Millenbah, interim dean of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. “Generations of our students will benefit from this investment. When we have improved, state-of-the-art facilities, we’ll be able to do more in support of Michigan’s farmers and consumers.”
Other programs to benefit from additional funding:
Center for Targeted Violence Prevention ($15M)
The MSU Department of Psychiatry, in the Colleges of Human Medicine and Osteopathic Medicine, will receive $15 million in state funding for the new Center for Targeted Violence Prevention. The funding comes at a critical time in our country where lives continue to be lost to gunfire and violence. The university is working on a partnership with the state to help Michigan school districts assess adolescents at risk for committing violent behavior. Students are also working with faculty to improve the college’s curricular response to gun violence.
Apple Developer Academy ($3M)
The Detroit Apple Developer Academy will receive $3 million in state funding. The academy recently celebrated its first graduating class. The academy offers students an opportunity to become entrepreneurs and app developers by learning the fundamentals of coding, design, marketing and project management. Nearly 100 graduates ages 18 to 64 have secured employment with companies such as Ford, GM, Accenture, Rocket Mortgage and others. Other students are staying with the academy to participate in its internship program, while others are continuing their education.
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner ($1.6M)
The MSU College of Nursing’s Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program will receive $1.6 million in new state funding. The program was created to address the behavioral needs of patients, as well as the shortage of qualified professionals throughout the country to assess and treat those with mental needs. The concentration prepares nurses with knowledge and skills in areas of mental health promotion, mental illness, substance use disorder prevention, assessment, diagnosis, treatment, recovery and patient education.