During its first public meeting of 2026, the MSU Board of Trustees took action to officially name the Engineering and Digital Innovation Center the Leinweber Center for Engineering and Digital Innovation. The Leinweber Foundation’s commitment drives the university’s vision for a next-generation hub that brings together digital learning, advanced research, entrepreneurship and industry partnerships.
Trustees also approved naming the atrium inside the Leinweber Center for Engineering and Digital Innovation the Spalding Family Atrium. MSU alumnus David F. Spalding, a 1967 mechanical engineering graduate, founded American Hydrotech, Inc., a leader in building and waterproofing technology. His enduring support of MSU includes endowed scholarships and long-standing engagement with the College of Engineering.
“I am incredibly grateful for the generosity of the Leinweber Foundation and the Spalding family,” said MSU President Kevin M. Guskiewicz, Ph.D. “Their visionary investment in the Leinweber Center for Engineering and Digital Innovation and the future of our students reflects their deep commitment to education, forward-thinking innovation and workforce development to meet the needs of an ever-changing global economy. The center will serve as an academic and research powerhouse, equipping students with the knowledge, skills and experiential learning opportunities needed in advanced manufacturing, materials science, microelectronics, artificial intelligence and other emerging fields.”
Research presentation
Trustees received a research presentation titled “Interstellar Interlopers and Dark Comets” from Darryl Seligman, an assistant professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy. Seligman’s presentation explained why comets are studied in our solar system as well as their significance in determining the development of life — like water and organic material — on other planets. Seligman also spoke about dark comets and MSU’s role in the discovery of 3I/ATLAS, named after NASA’s Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System.
Wilson Hall renovations
The College of Engineering’s Technology Engineering program will soon have a new home in Wilson Hall. Today, trustees approved the administration to proceed with renovations to the hall’s former kitchen and dining spaces, transforming them into a dedicated home for the program. The renovated space will feature hands-on learning environments, including state-of-the-art laboratories designed to support experiential instruction. Developed in 2024 through extensive industry collaboration and in partnership with the Office of the Provost, the program is aimed at increasing enrollment in technology and engineering disciplines while preparing students to meet the state’s growing workforce development needs.
Dan Bollman retirement
During Friday’s meeting, the board recognized and congratulated Infrastructure Planning and Facilities Vice President Dan Bollman on his retirement, marking the conclusion of more than three decades of exemplary service to Michigan State University.
“Throughout his tenure, Dan Bollman championed numerous initiatives that modernized campus infrastructure, advanced sustainability efforts, and supported the university’s long-term academic, research and operational goals,” said Board Chair Brianna Scott. “Among the most notable accomplishments of his leadership was the expansion of MSU’s physical presence across all campuses by more than 3.5 million gross square feet, including the construction of the Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum, the Multicultural Center and Student Wellness and Recreation Center, among others. Dan’s stewardship, leadership, integrity and collaborative spirit will be greatly missed, but we are excited and happy for him as he begins this new chapter.”
Other agenda items
The board approved several other requests during the meeting, including:
The next regularly scheduled Board of Trustees meeting will be held April 10.