Michigan State University President Kevin M. Guskiewicz, Ph.D., with nearly seven months at the helm of the presidency, is helping to write the next chapter of MSU’s storied history — one that continues to be student-centered, with a focus on inclusivity, accessibility and global impact as a leading public research university.
Guskiewicz highlighted several initiatives during today’s investiture ceremony he and university leadership plan to roll out in the coming weeks and months, including efforts to increase accessibility to an MSU degree, meeting the needs of a 21st-century workforce, and the second iteration of the university’s Global Impact Initiative that was approved by the Board of Trustees in June.
“What I took away from my 52-stop listening and learning tour last spring is that we, as a passionately public university, have a tremendous opportunity to continue advancing our institution forward,” Guskiewicz said. “These initiatives, among others, help identify our ‘true north,’ paving the way for a Michigan State University that cultivates inclusion and accessibility with robust, 21st-century academic programming designed to address the grand challenges of tomorrow. Linking all of these programs and passion together are outstanding faculty and staff who work tirelessly to support the university.”
Increasing accessibility
To increase access and reduce financial barriers to a quality, accessible, world-class education, Guskiewicz announced a new merit-based scholarship named after MSU’s first president and first lady, Joseph R. and Sarah L. Williams. The scholarship will fund tuition, food and housing, and an education abroad or other experiential education opportunity for undergraduates.
Guskiewicz also announced the establishment of the Native American Tuition Advantage program, an expansion of the current Spartan Tuition Advantage program. Students from anywhere in the United States or Canada who meet tribal affiliation criteria will qualify for in-state tuition levels and potentially the Spartan Tuition Advantage program.
A nearly $1 million grant from the state of Michigan, as part of its Sixty by 30 initiative, will allow for MSU to improve credit evaluation, grow opportunities for the Credit for Prior Learning program and create partnerships with Michigan community colleges that will increase access to an MSU degree for students across the state. Envision Green, the university’s current partnership with Lansing Community College that provides LCC students a smooth transition to MSU, will also expand and will include a new transfer student success center.
“These new programs and initiatives will expand opportunities for student success in significant ways across the university,” said MSU Interim Provost Thomas Jeitschko. “We opened our doors widely from day one, and we continue to work hard to provide opportunities for the broadest range of students to pursue their studies here at MSU.”
Green and White Council
Guskiewicz has been a strong advocate for preparing students for careers that meet the needs of the current and future workforce. To reinforce this, the president has established the Green and White Council — a group of civic and business leaders, funders and government officials who will help identify how MSU can continue to deliver academic programming that reflects the evolving Michigan job and economic landscape.
Ethics Institute
Recognizing a need to evaluate and address institutional ethics and practices beyond the classroom, Guskiewicz announced the establishment of the MSU Ethics Institute, the only such institute in the state to address institutional transformation. Over the past three years, MSU’s annual ethics symposia has helped lay a strong foundation for this institute to thrive. The MSU Ethics Institute will be formally established during ethics week in February 2025.
Global Impact Initiative 2.0
Launched in 2015 with a goal to recruit 100 new faculty in several new and expanding research areas, the Global Impact Initiative, or GII, has been an institutional success. Guskiewicz announced the second phase of the initiative during today’s ceremony, which was approved by the Board of Trustees earlier this year. This new GII phase adds 20 faculty positions spanning seven of MSU’s 17 degree-granting colleges. These additional faculty positions in disciplines such as space electronics, computational biology, health services research and others will continue MSU’s positive trajectory toward reaching $1 billion in annual research expenditures by 2030, as outlined in MSU’s strategic plan.
“It is an honor and privilege to celebrate the investiture of President Guskiewicz,” said Board of Trustees Chair Dan Kelly. “Kevin has done a tremendous job these last seven months learning about and prioritizing the needs of the university. I am excited to see the implementation of these bold, strategic initiatives that continue to put student success and academic excellence at the forefront of what our university does every day.”
Today’s ceremony began with an academic procession and performance by the MSU Wind Symphony. Remarks were provided by Board of Trustees Chair Dan Kelly, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow, Michigan House Speaker Joe Tate, University of Southern California President Carol Folt and University of Utah College of Health Dean Emeritus David Perrin.
The full speech (video and text) from today’s ceremony will be posted on the Office of the President web site in the coming days.
