MSU Today with Russ White

The Fall 2019 edition of Spartan, Michigan State University's alumni magazine, contains a feature titled Women of Sparta. In Classical Greece, Spartan women were famed for their strength, education and independence. Female Spartans have always been among the legions of exceptional MSU grads who embody that proud tradition in the modern world, like MSU alumna and Michigan's Senior United States Senator Debbie Stabenow, who wrote the introduction to the piece.

“When we look at the student who is going through the process of trying to figure out where their interests lie, and ultimately the role or the opportunity that is most of interest to them and where they can apply their skills and experiences, they generally look at what excites them,” says Jeff Beavers, executive director of Michigan State University’s Career Services Network. “We like to support a student’s social mission, too. We seek to connect him or her to a greater purpose that benefits society.

Caroline Brooks talks with two faculty from MSU’s College of Social Science, whose areas of research seem to always be in the news and weigh heavily on our minds. Jennifer Cobbina, associate professor of criminal justice, focuses her research on the correction system as well as looking at how race, gender, and neighborhood demographics impact crime among minority youth. Joe Cesario is an associate professor of psychology who is an expert in motivation, decision-making and cognition. His research as of late has been focused on police decision-making. 

New Michigan State University research finds an urgent need to take a series of steps to recruit and retain the state’s pre-K teachers passionate about a profession that’s crucial to the success of 4-year-old learners.

At the same time that increasing numbers of 4-year-olds are entering Michigan’s pre-Kindergarten classrooms, their teachers are thinking about departing for lack of pay and appreciation, MSU researchers said.

When Cookie Johnson’s husband, NBA great Magic Johnson, revealed his HIV status in 1991, she turned her initial fears into a newfound mission. More than two decades later, she continues to inspire as an example of faith and perseverance.

Earletha “Cookie” Johnson isn’t the kind to crumble. Not on your life. During the many challenges she’s faced in her life, she’s drawn on her deep sense of faith and self-worth to emerge stronger, wiser, wittier, and more determined to be a force for good. 

Home to the largest collection of freshwater coastal sand dunes in the world, Michigan is a favorite vacation spot for thousands of visitors each year. But until recently, the true geographical extent of the dunes was uncertain. Now, thanks to a Michigan State University researcher, we’re a little closer to knowing.

Samuel L. Stanley Jr, MD is Michigan State University's 21st president. MSU’s rich land grant heritage attracted President Stanley to MSU at this crucial time in its history.

Physician Mona Hanna-Attisha of MSU's College of Human Medicine and her team helped prove the children of Flint had been poisoned by a lead contaminated water supply, and now she's working to build a new and better model for public health. 

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer is featured in a Women of Sparta piece in the fall issue of Spartan, the Michigan State University Alumni Magazine.

Gov. Whitmer tells Spartan editor Paula Davenport that her average day begins around 5:00 a.m. “whether it's necessary or not, that's when I get up and start moving. As governor, I can spend a 12-hour day in the office or I am frequently out on the road.”

She adds that it’s still hard at times to believe she’s governor.

What difference can a year make? With just more than a year of operation, the Prevention, Outreach and Education Department is focusing cultural change at Michigan State University around relationship violence and sexual misconduct prevention.
 

MSU Today visited Flint and the Sylvester Broome Empowerment Village (SBEV). The mission of the Village is to cultivate leadership capacity among Flint youth through a variety of innovative programs. Michigan State University Extension is a proud Village partner, says Director Jeff Dwyer. 

It’s all about politics, tariffs and the popular vote – read that as redistricting -- in June’s State of the State Podcast.

Michigan State University’s Institute for Public Policy and Social Research fielded three well-known voices on the State of the State Podcast: Interim IPPSR Director Arnold Weinfeld, economist Charles Ballard and Corwin Smidt, associate professor of political science.

A foodie is defined as a person who has an ardent or refined interest in food and who eats food not only out of hunger but due to their interest or hobby. Two of my favorite foodie-related people are here to talk about all things food. 

Norman J. Beauchamp Jr. MD is the dean of Michigan State University's College of Human Medicine, and he is the associate provost and assistant vice president for health affairs at MSU.

“MSU really changed my life,” says Beauchamp. “I grew up in St. Johns. I came here as an undergrad then stayed for medical school. It gave me the skills and the belief in self to make a difference. I was off for 12 years at Johns Hopkins and 14 at the University of Washington, and my hope and dream was to come back here and be part of making a difference for the university and the college I love in the state that was so important to me.

In 1999, Ford Motor Company published its first Sustainability Report – the first company in the industry to do so. Since then, Ford has spent the last two decades moving toward a more sustainable world. Ford Motor Company has released its 20th annual Sustainability Report, looking back on two decades of progress, and committing to new aspirational goals for the future. The company also announces new sustainability targets that will help contribute to those aspirational goals.