When President Kevin Guskiewicz announced the creation of the Presidential Speaker Series at his 2024 investiture, he envisioned more than a lecture program. He envisioned a campus-wide commitment — one rooted in Michigan State University’s land-grant mission — to model and strengthen civil discourse in a time of growing division.

That vision will come to life on March 17 with the inaugural Speaker Series focused on “The Future of Higher Education.” This discussion invites reflection on how universities can best serve students, communities and democracy in a rapidly changing world. The conversation will examine higher education’s role in advancing opportunity, expanding perspectives and strengthening civic life.

President Guskiewicz will be joined by esteemed guests that will include former Michigan Govs. James Blanchard and John Engler and three distinguished panelists:

• Richard Burr – principal policy advisor at DLA Piper, former U.S. senator of North Carolina.
• Ted Mitchell – president of American Council on Education, former U.S. under secretary of education to Barack Obama, former president of Occidental College.
• Margaret Spellings – president and CEO of Bipartisan Policy Center, former U.S. secretary of education, former president of University of North Carolina System.

“Universities like Michigan State are purpose-built to promote understanding across differences,” Guskiewicz said. “In today’s polarized environment, creating space for thoughtful, evidence-based dialogue is not easy — but it is essential to our mission.”

This free event at the Pasant Theater is open to the full campus community, alumni and the general public (space is limited and registration is required).

Join us at 6:30 p.m. March 17 for this annual series that will bring leading voices to campus and an atmosphere of respectful dialogue. Its goal is not to present ideas, but to demonstrate how constructive engagement across difference can move conversations — and society — forward.