Michigan State University leaders hosted U.S. Under Secretary of Education James Kvaal to share information about MSU’s programs and impact on the future of higher education.
Under Secretary Kvaal, who came to campus on Sept. 4 as part of a nationwide higher education listening tour, visited two of MSU’s key facilities, including the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams and the STEM Teaching and Learning Facility.
While on campus, Kvaal also met with MSU leaders to hear about various programs and key strategic initiatives, ending his visit by hosting a roundtable with students.
Kvaal leads the Department of Education’s work on higher education, student financial aid and career and adult education — including working to build a higher education system that supports students beyond graduation. As part of his visits to colleges and universities, Kvaal came to MSU.
During his visit, Kvaal met with President Kevin M. Guskiewicz, Ph.D., and joined a conversation with other MSU leaders to discuss topics related to the MSU 2030 Strategic Plan. Specifically, they focused on student retention and success; diversity, equity and inclusion; increased financial aid options; and supporting student success beyond graduation.
These topics led to in-depth discussions on the value and impact of the following initiatives and programs at MSU:
- Underserved students in STEM — science, technology, engineering and math — and the Alliance for Graduate Education and Professoriate, which supports underrepresented students in STEM fields;
- Spartan Tuition Advantage, a financial aid program for eligible Michigan students;
- Diversity Research Network to increase funding for faculty from underrepresented backgrounds;
- Neighborhood Resource Center that works to close achievement gaps for students from underserved communities;
- College Pathways programs, including the Detroit College Promise; and
- College Assistance Migrant Program, which supports migrant and seasonal farmworker students.
During the under secretary’s roundtable with undergraduate and graduate students, he heard from individuals who currently participate or have benefited from a variety of MSU’s student success, support and retention programs, including TRIO participants, Pell Grant recipients, first-generation students, migrant students and students from underrepresented communities.
The students who participated in the discussion represent a variety of communities across Michigan and the United States and also represent a diverse assortment of colleges and disciplines across campus.