On Oct. 21, a group of 60 MSU faculty and administrators boarded a green and white bus to travel across the western Lower Peninsula and learn about MSU’s far-reaching impact in Michigan.
Three days, 15 stops and 734 miles later, this group of Spartans returned to East Lansing with new friends, collaborators and a deeper understanding of how Spartans are making a difference across the state.Below, faculty members who participated in the inaugural Spartan Bus Tour share what the experience meant to them.
Stephanie Anthony, director of the Office of College Access Initiatives, University Outreach and Engagement
"The Spartan Bus Tour was a phenomenal experience that will remain with me forever. I’m an alum with a 40-plus-year history with MSU, and this experience provided me with a new perspective of the university. The tour revealed a breathtaking view of the great beauty that is represented all throughout Michigan, both in its landscape and in the quality of its residents. Further, it provided me with a historical journey that made me even more proud and appreciative as a resident of this fine state.
My life as a Spartan will forever be impacted by the countless people that I met, the new members of my Spartan family that I gained, the opportunity to reconnect with awesome colleagues that I have known for years, and new knowledge about the breadth of MSU's vast reach. I am incredibly proud of Michigan State University's extraordinary involvement in changing and enriching the lives of Michiganders.”
Nwando Achebe, Jack and Margaret Sweet Endowed Professor of History; associate dean for Access, Faculty Development and Strategic Implementation, College of Social Science
“This bus tour was an impactful and uplifting experience that makes me proud to be both a Spartan and a Michigander. What drew me to MSU 19 years ago, and keeps me here, is its land-grant mission — uplifting our local and global environments through transformative work. From researchers tackling PFAS to partnerships between Michigan farmers and MSU scholars addressing climate change, pests and diseases, MSU’s commitment is clear.
We began at the Ziibiwing Center of Anishinabe Culture and Lifeways in Mt. Pleasant, where President Kevin M. Guskiewicz, the first MSU president to visit, recited our Land Acknowledgment in a deeply meaningful exchange.
Hearing from migrant students about their challenges in the fields and the support provided by MSU's Migrant Student Services was equally powerful.
After 19 years, I made new friends, toured new places and deepened my pride in being part of MSU. Spartans Will!”
Paola Smith, assistant director, MSU Community Music School-Detroit
“The Spartan Bus Tour has been an incredibly enriching experience, offering a unique opportunity to grow and better understand MSU's profound impact on the community and create a sense of belonging to a bigger family. Seeing firsthand MSU's dedication and genuine care to making meaningful changes has been truly inspiring. It's clear that MSU not only cares deeply about its students and the community but also about creating spaces for individuals to find their courage and contribute to positive change. I'm excited to explore ways to collaborate with the colleges of Nursing and Education to further support our students and their families. Additionally, I look forward to raising awareness among our students and encouraging them to be part of the amazing projects MSU is leading across Michigan.”
Sarah Machniak, coordinator of Community Outreach and Student Enrichment, MSU Veterinary Nursing Program
“Reflecting on all the experiences and moments of the bus tour, my favorite part was watching each person light up when they speak about what their passion is. Their excitement becomes immediately infectious and made me want to learn more so I can share the same excitement with them. The common denominator for all of us is that Michigan State University has provided us with the opportunity to find and follow our passion. Whether it is plant physiology, furniture design, hospitality, visual art or veterinary nursing (me), we all get to do what we love every day.
This bus tour allowed me to meet and get to know people I otherwise would not have met. Members from Extension who work in different counties, faculty members of different health colleges that grew up all over the world, artists and creators from several colleges, we all share 'home', which is Michigan State University. Between each stop, we got to talk and share our passions. It was a lovely reminder that below our titles, education and experiences, we are all humans trying to make the world a better place through our curiosities and love of learning.”
Angela Chia-Chen Chen, professor, McLaren Greater Lansing Endowed Chair for Behavioral Mental Health Nursing Education, College of Nursing
“As a scholar and health care provider focused on community engagement and patient-centered care, I am deeply honored and grateful to have been selected for this remarkable tour. The Spartan Bus Tour exemplifies MSU’s commitment to the state through its engaged scholarship, interdisciplinary collaborations and impactful partnerships across diverse communities. It also highlights MSU’s wide-reaching influence in areas such as health care, agriculture, education, economic development, and environmental sustainability, inspiring us to pursue meaningful, community-engaged research and innovation. I am currently collaborating with a fellow participant on research and look forward to building partnerships with other colleagues, schools and broader communities.”
Scott Wolfe, professor of criminal justice and director of the Michigan Justice Statistics Center, College of Social Science
“Being part of the president’s inaugural Spartan Bus Tour was one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve had during my time in academia. It was inspiring to meet people from around Michigan and learn how they contribute to our state and how partnering with MSU has improved their economic and social impact in our communities. It was truly humbling to learn about the amazing research my MSU colleagues are doing. I’ve come away from the Spartan Bus Tour with a renewed understanding of ‘Spartans Will’ and rejuvenated sense of purpose within our university. Go Green!”
Clausell Mathis, assistant professor of physics, Lyman Briggs College; assistant professor of science education, College of Education
“The bus tour was an incredibly inspiring experience. It allowed me to witness firsthand the powerful impact MSU has on communities across the state. I was especially struck by the dedication of local leaders and organizations in advancing education, equity and innovation. This experience has energized me to explore future collaborations with fellow participants and stakeholders to drive meaningful change.”
Bianca Price, customer experience manager, MSU Human Resources
“The Spartan Bus Tour was a transformative experience that expanded my perspective on the customers we serve in HR. It reinforced how each phone call and email contributes to Michigan State University's impact across the state. This journey has inspired me to collaborate with fellow Spartans to tackle traditional challenges through innovative approaches — because Spartans Will!”