Michigan State University Office of the President

Thank you to everyone who made my presidential investiture on Sunday such a memorable event. I’m both excited by the opportunities and prepared for the challenges that lie ahead as we continue to advance Michigan State University’s mission as Michigan’s state university. If you missed the ceremony, you can watch the full event, view photos, and listen to my MSU Today podcast interview at the investiture website: https://lnkd.in/gchD3xrt. Together as one team, we can achieve great things!

I’m proud to share that Michigan State University continues to be recognized as a national leader in higher education, including for our commitment to experiential learning. According to U.S. News & World Report's 2025 edition of Best Colleges, MSU ranks #1 among public universities for service learning and education abroad - key areas where students gain real-world experience and global perspectives. Our undergraduate supply chain management program also remains a standout, ranked #1 in the nation for the 14th consecutive year. This achievement reflects the dedication of our faculty, staff, students, and the invaluable support of our alumni and industry partners. At MSU, we’re committed to providing students with the knowledge and experiences they need to succeed, and I’m grateful to everyone who contributes to this mission!

I'm proud to highlight the outstanding work of MSU’s student-run radio station, Impact 89FM, which recently earned prestigious national awards from the Associated Collegiate Press, Broadcast Education Association, and Michigan Association of Broadcasters. Last week, I had the pleasure of joining Coach Tom Izzo and Russ White for an MSU Today Podcast recording at Impact 89FM. The professionalism and talent of these students were impressive - it's clear why they’ve been recognized on a national level. Listen to our discussion on the future of college athletics at MSU here:

I’m grateful for the opportunity to celebrate my investiture as MSU’s 22nd president on September 29. This is a moment to reflect on our shared values, honor MSU's rich history, and look toward our future together. Over the past months, I’ve had the privilege of meeting many faculty and students across campus, learning firsthand about the inspiring work that makes MSU so special. I look forward to sharing my vision for our next chapter during this meaningful occasion. I hope you'll join us for the ceremony or via livestream. More details here:

I recently wrote for the Lansing State Journal about the importance of civil discourse and free speech at MSU. As we welcome Spartans back to campus, we plan to focus on turning our differences into opportunities for growth and understanding. Take a look at the full article to see how we’re fostering these values this year.

It was a pleasure to meet the incredible students, faculty, and staff at Michigan State’s Center for Community Engaged Learning, the oldest center of its kind in the nation at 57 years strong. As a firm believer in the power of experiential learning, I'm proud to celebrate MSU’s 2024 U.S. News & World Report No.1 ranking for our outstanding service-learning programs. This recognition is a testament to the dedication and impact our Spartans make in communities near and far.

Debating ideas is part of our educational experience and better prepares us to serve as engaged citizens and stakeholders in society. As the fall semester approaches, let’s engage one another with respect, civility and dignity. Learn more in my latest letter to the Spartan community: http://spr.ly/6041lBBkJ

I was pleased to join my University Research Corridor colleague presidents Santa Ono and Kimberly Andrews Espy for a panel discussion with Crain’s executive editor Mickey Ciokajlo Thursday in Detroit. We talked about our universities’ presence in the region and how we’re working to develop Michigan’s 21st-century workforce.

The establishment of the International Research Laboratory on Nuclear Physics and Astrophysics at FRIB last year was the beginning of an academic partnership to foster international relations to make a collective global impact. As this partnership focused on nuclear physics and astrophysics research continues to grow, it shows MSU’s land-grant values with a global view — to unite diverse perspectives and expertise, develop innovative solutions to address global challenges, improve lives and build a more interconnected and better future.

Honored to introduce both of these Spartan alumni leaders at last night’s book signing event hosted by the Blanchard Forum. Pleased to have them back on campus and grateful for their commitment to public service.