MSU trustees hold annual engagement forum with campus community  

The MSU Board of Trustees showcased its commitment to positive momentum at the university through the annual Stakeholder Engagement Forum held at the Broad College of Business, where members of the Spartan community gathered to share their perspectives, experiences and suggestions for how to continue to move Michigan State University forward.

“Outreach and engagement are at the heart of what it means to be part of Michigan State University,” said MSU President Kevin M. Guskiewicz, Ph.D. “It is incumbent upon us as leaders to provide opportunities for frank, thoughtful discussions and honest feedback. We need to know where we are succeeding and where we need to consider different approaches and explore new ways in which we can spur success, belonging, innovation, effectiveness and connection at MSU. The Stakeholder Engagement Forum is a unique opportunity for us as leaders to connect directly with community representatives.”

Just as with the inaugural forum in 2025, a campus survey helped solicit ideas from students, faculty, staff, university leadership and alumni to help shape forum discussions. The following three comprehensive topics were synthesized from the many valuable suggestions made by community members who completed the survey:

• Harnessing AI responsibly: Innovation, learning and leadership at Michigan State University

• People, culture and organizational effectiveness  

• Creating a connected Spartan experience from enrollment to graduation

This year’s Stakeholder Engagement Forum survey received 444 responses for theme suggestions, and 260 unique nominations for participation. Respondents were permitted to nominate themselves or another potential participant. Last year, 350 individuals completed the survey and 31 nominations for participants were submitted. The event hosts participants organized in small groups to foster meaningful dialogue and frank discussion. Forum participants are selected in a variety of ways, including by nomination, invitation, outreach to the board, experience and affiliations with university organizations, and leadership positions at MSU. This year’s forum hosted roughly 50 participants as well as presenters, subject matter experts and university leaders.

“Increased interest from the Spartan community highlights the importance of meaningful dialogue between the trustees and community members,” said Board Chair Brianna Scott. “Our public meetings are dedicated to conducting necessary business, highlighting achievements and providing an opportunity for public comment, but the Stakeholder Engagement Forum provides a valuable opportunity for in-depth discussion of topics that matter to the people who are looking to the board to help guide the success of Michigan State University. I am encouraged by the level of participation in this year’s forum, and I look forward to continued robust discussion.”

The following faculty and staff presented on the three themed discussions:

Harnessing AI responsibly: Innovation, learning and leadership at Michigan State University

This session focused on how MSU is positioning itself as a leader in AI innovation while ensuring thoughtful governance, ethical implementation and responsible stewardship. Participants were asked to consider how AI is reshaping the skills, knowledge and competencies students need to succeed, as well as how the university can continue to support faculty, staff and researchers in adopting AI effectively and responsibly. 

The session included presentations by Marcio Oliveira, vice provost for academic innovation, and Richard Czarnecki, chief information officer.

People, culture and organizational effectiveness  

This session centered on MSU as the employer and how the university can strengthen retention, engagement, leadership capacity and organizational effectiveness while fostering a welcoming MSU community where faculty and staff can do their best work.

The session included presentations by Donna Donovan, associate vice president for Human Resources, and Teresa Mastin, vice provost and associate vice president for Faculty and Academic Staff Affairs.

Creating a connected Spartan experience from enrollment to graduation

This session delved into how MSU connects in-class and out-of-class programming, services and experiences to increase student engagement and help navigate increasingly complex career pathways. The session included the intersections amongst Academic Affairs, Student Affairs, and Residence Life, both where MSU is today and where it is headed in the future.

The session included presentations by Laura Lee McIntyre, provost and executive vice president for academic affairs, James Hintz, vice president for Student Affairs, and Patricia Martinez, associate vice president, Division of Residential and Hospitality Services.

In December 2024, the Board of Trustees approved a revision to the board bylaws, adding a Stakeholder Engagement Forum in early September.

The first forum was held on Sept. 4, 2025, and was developed as an innovative way to broaden engagement among trustees and the campus community with the goal of fostering a robust dialogue and greater opportunity for meaningful discussion.

Faculty, staff, students and alumni in attendance represent a variety of university affiliations, experience, expertise and perspectives. The contributions of various points of view will help university leaders and the Board of Trustees in their planning as they work together to move MSU forward.

The next regularly scheduled Board of Trustees meeting is Sept. 11.