Updated on August 29 at 1:24 p.m. ET
The race for two seats on the Michigan State University Board of Trustees is now set. That’s after the state Republican Party finalized its nominees at a Lansing convention this weekend.
Dr. Travis Menge is an orthopedic surgeon based in Grand Rapids. His campaign website touts his medical background, saying he’s prepared to help MSU navigate unexpected challenges like the Larry Nassar scandal and the safe return to in-person instruction after the COVID pandemic.
Menge also says freedom of speech and the protection of personal liberties are crucial to the university community. He says he would further position MSU as a leader in science, engineering, and technology.
Menge is joined on the GOP ticket by Mike Balow. On his website, Balow says he wants to be “a voice of reason and change" to what he describes as an “incredibly dysfunctional environment” in MSU’s leadership.
Balow is the father of a member of the university’s former swim and dive team and says he’s committed to bringing the program back.
Last April, Menge and Balow were endorsed by party members over current trustee Melanie Foster.
Michigan Democrats have nominated Dennis Denno and incumbent trustee Renee Knake Jefferson for the board.
The winners in November's election will serve eight-year terms.
Correction: A previous version of this story said Balow was involved in a lawsuit against MSU over the elimination of the swim and dive program. He is not, but his daughter is a plaintiff in the suit.
