Podcasts about general interest

Eric Olmscheid is executive director of Michigan State University's Wharton Center for Performing Arts.Olmscheid reflects on his first three years leading Wharton Center. He talks about challenges and opportunities ahead for the arts, and he describes some highlights of the center's coming season. He shares several examples that show the center's commitment to its education and engagement mission. He also describes how important donors are to Wharton Center's mission.Conversation Highlights:(0:14) – Have you settled into Wharton Center, MSU, and the community now that you've been leading Wharton Center for three years?(0:58) – How has Wharton Center come out of Covid, and what are the challenges and opportunities ahead?(3:51) – Why are you so passionate about the arts?(5:22) – Give us some highlights of the coming ‘25/'26 season.(6:26) – Talk about the importance of Wharton Center's Education & Engagement mission. Eric mentions the Act One School Series, Sutton Foster Awards, creative classrooms initiative, and Broadway Bridges.(12:45) – Eric on the access and arts within reach initiatives. (14:18) – Wharton Center's website is the best place to go for tickets.(15:17) – How important are donors to your vision and mission?Listen to “MSU Today with Russ White” on the radio and through Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your shows.

Michigan State University President Kevin M. Guskiewicz, Ph.D. has selected Laura Lee McIntyre as MSU's next provost and executive vice president for academic affairs following a comprehensive, national search. As provost, McIntyre will be the chief academic officer for the university, providing leadership for academic programs and research and outreach involving faculty, students and staff. Her planned start date is August 4, 2025, and she will also serve as MSU Research Foundation Professor in the Department ofCounseling, Educational Psychology and Special Education.Laura Lee currently serves as dean of the college of education and the Castle-McIntosh-Knight Professor in the School of Psychology at the University of Oregon.She is an accomplished scholar, a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst, and a certified school and board licensed psychologist. Her research focuses on children's mental and behavioral health, special education, and prevention and intervention to promote child and family well-being in vulnerable and underserved populations.  McIntyre is known for her work in early childhood, autism, family-centered interventions and family-school partnerships for children with disabilities. Conversation Highlights:(1:50) - Give us some of the highlights from your background.(4:46) - Do you have any experience with MSU and/or the state of Michigan? (5:26) - Many outside of academia aren't entirely clear on what a provost is and does. Can you expound a bit on a provost's role in higher education at a university like MSU?(6:38) - What attracted you to the position? Why do you want to be provost at MSU?(9:12) - What do you see as some of the challenges and opportunities ahead for MSU and all of higher education as you lead the academic enterprise at America's pioneer land-grant university?  (13:40) - Talk about your research interests and why those are your interests. And what research do you plan to pursue at MSU?(18:16) - What are some of your short- and long-term goals as you prepare to get started in August?(20:47) - How would you describe your leadership and management style?(22:59) - Summarize what you would like Spartan Nation to know about you as the summer progresses, and you prepare to join MSU in August.Listen to “MSU Today with Russ White” on the radio and through Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your shows. 

For decades, Michigan State University has been working with partners in Detroit to support the city's economic development, advance the arts, transform schools, improve health and protect the environment. And, after a successful and illuminating trip with visits along the western Lower Peninsula of Michigan in the fall of 2024, this May, the Spartan Bus Tour headed to Detroit.Just as the inaugural Spartan Bus Tour demonstrated how Spartans are making a difference across the state, a tour of metro Detroit illustrated how the partnerships between the city and Michigan State are changing our state for the better.Taking place May 5 and 6 with stops at 12 locations in the Detroit area, the tour was led by MSU President Kevin Guskiewicz, and included a delegation of 50 faculty and administrators who explored the breadth and depth of the university's research, outreach and education impact in a city that, like MSU, values resilience, hard work and a commitment to solving problems and empowering people for better lives.Conversation Highlights:(1:20) - President Guskiewicz sets the scene. (2:00) - The Zekelman Holocaust Center opened its doors in 1984 in West Bloomfield and relocated to the current Farmington Hills location in 2004. It was the first stop on the tour. The center is home to the Holocaust Museum exhibit and an extensive research library, archives and special exhibit galleries. Each year, more than 150,000 people visit the center, whose mission is to engage, educate and empower by remembering the Holocaust. Eli Mayerfeld is CEO of the Holocaust Museum.(6:35) - The second stop on Day 1 was at the Detroit Partnership for Food, Learning and Innovation, or DPFLI: The DPFLI was founded in 2017 and is MSU's first urban agriculture center. Housed within MSU Extension, the partnership in northwest Detroit focuses on research and education to improve the lives of Detroiters and serves as a community space for residents. Naim Edwards directs DPFLI, George Smith directs MSU AgBioResearch and Dave Ivan directs the Community Food and Environment Institute.(16:07) - The third stop on Day 1 was at The Shepherd and LANTERN, which are part of Library Street Collective's ongoing artistic commitment to Detroit's Little Village neighborhood. Anthony Curis is co-founder of The Shepherd and Library Street Collective. (21:30) - The fourth stop on Day 1 was a visit to Magna International: Magna International is the largest automobile parts manufacturer in North America with its U.S. headquarters in Troy. Heather Holm is talent attraction and employer brand manager.(23:44) - Stop five on Day 1 was at the Apple Developer Academy: Partnering with MSU, Apple's first U.S.-based academy was launched in 2021 in Detroit where participants learn the essentials of coding, design and business with Apple tools. The academy offers free programs of 10 months and four weeks, and, to date, has graduated more than 1,000 learners from the metro Detroit area. Sarah Gretter is director of the academy, and Anny Staten is assistant director.(27:10) - The final stop...

State of the State is the monthly round up of policy and research for the state of Michigan from Michigan State University's Institute for Public Policy and Social Research (IPPSR). Matt Grossmann and Arnold Weinfeld from IPPSR are joined by economist Charley Ballard to discuss the latest in politics and the economy.MSU Supply Chain Professor Jason Miller joins the trio to discuss the trade and tariff issues dominating the news.Conversation Highlights:(1:14) – Ballard unpacks the latest numbers showing a shrinking national economy. And he talks about Michigan's unemployment numbers showing an increase in labor participation in the state despite an uptick in Michigan's unemployment numbers.(4:32) - Grossmann on the political implications of the economic numbers.(7:32) – What about immigration? What are the political implications of the court rulings mostly going against the Trump administration?(9:34) – Is a lot of the American electorate in the middle of the extremes shown by the Biden and Trump positions on immigration?(10:40) – Are the court defeats for the Trump administration helping to inform the Democrats strategy to restrict Trump?(12:15) – What's the status of Republican budget and tax proposals? “It's difficult to have high spending, low taxes, and a balanced budget.”(14:34) – Miller weighs in on the latest trade and tariff news. “The United States will not win a trade war with China. U.S. consumers do not like to find empty shelves in stores.”(18:43) – Is there long-term isolation ahead for the United States when it comes to trade?(22:37) – How will Michigan's economy be impacted as the trade war continues. Will Trump back down?(25:43) – How will Americans react to empty shelves in the stores? How do these tariffs compare to the tariffs in the first Trump term? There are more consumer goods impacted this time. What is the worst-case scenario? Do bigger tariffs mean bigger problems for Trump?Listen to “MSU Today with Russ White” on the radio and through Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your shows.

All MSU USAID programs have been cut as the federal government seeks to reshape higher education and cut what it sees as wasteful spending. At MSU, nine direct and five flow-through USAID projects were terminated, amounting to more than $20 million in funding lost. USAID is a government agency that provides international humanitarian assistance. The agency provides an array of programs and aid, some of which is done through grants given to universities for projects that provide help to countries in need. (State News – April 17, 2025).Feed the Global Resource Lead for the Future Biotech Potato Partnership Communications Manager Janet Fierro and professor and director of MSU Potato Breeding and Genetics David Douches join me to discuss the impact of the funding cuts. Douches' Feed the Future Global Biotech Potato Partnership was one of the cancelled USAID programs.Conversation Highlights:(1:08) - Describe your background and role at MSU.(2:53) - What is the mission of USAID? Has President Trump painted a misguided view of USAID?(5:23) - What projects will end due to the termination of funding? What will the impact be as these projects end?(7:45) - This work is consistent with MSU's land grant and world grant mission. Generational progress will stop. The long-term institutional vision of higher education differs from the short-term vision of corporations. Higher education is the place for this work. Decades of taxpayer money will be wasted. Investment becomes waste.(11:39) - This work is not about building up foreign competition. America first is not America only. Everything is global. “You can't build a peaceful world on empty stomachs and human misery.”(13:53) - What's next? Is there any hope of having the funding restored? What would you like listeners of this conversation to know and take away? And how can they help?(16:13) – More on advances in potato research using biotechnology.(21:27) – Michigan is a national leader in bean production and the number one state in the country for producing potatoes used to make potato chips. MSU research performed passionately around the world helps make American agriculture better too. And MSU has an outstanding reputation around the world.Listen to “MSU Today with Russ White” on the radio and through Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your shows.

The next few weeks are critical, says WKAR Public Media General Manager Shawn Turner. As Congress prepares to vote on the issue of federal funding for public media, the most important voices that will influence the decisions of lawmakers are yours.Approximately $1.60 is the amount each taxpayer contributes to federal funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. That $1.60 is seed money for a national system of local public television and radio stations. Shawn Turner joins me now to expound on the value of public media. Americans receive a lot of public services in communities across the country for $1.60.Conversation Highlights:(1:08) - Public media provides an essential universal service. Together, public media broadcasters reach up to 99 percent of the American populations, regardless of zip code or income level, including in communities where commercial television can't succeed. The value extends well beyond radio and television.  (2:42) - Public media is the only free, national media resource that operates with a public service mission, not commercial interest. At WKAR Public Media from Michigan State University, we serve our mission to inform, educate, and inspire through sharing exceptional original content, connecting with community, fostering learning, and much more.  (3:43) - The noncommercial model is particularly important and unique in the children's media space. PBS stations reach more parents of young children than any other children's TV networks. 63 percent of parents surveyed named PBS KIDS® the most educational media brand for children, substantially outscoring the second-most highly rated brand, YouTube, at 13 percent.  (5:04) - Public media stations are locally operated and locally controlled, providing unique, local, essential services. They make their own programming decisions reflecting the unique needs of those living within their broadcast area. For WKAR, that local control means the ability to serve audiences across a region that includes a state capital, a Big Ten University, manufacturing facilities and family-owned farms. (6:24) – WKAR is committed to providing locally focused, balanced content that serves the needs and broad range of viewpoints across this varied community. Michigan hunting and fishing, DIY and travel shows, classical music, performing arts, drama, politics and government. There truly is something for everyone. (7:28) - The work and impact of any local public media station goes far beyond the broadcast. Stations engage in community events that celebrate local cultures and foster open discussion. Many have educational outreach efforts that connect educators and caregivers with free educational broadcast, streaming and gaming resources available from PBS KIDS.  (9:03) – How can listeners and viewers make their voices heard in support of WKAR and all public media?Listen to “MSU Today with Russ White” on the radio and through Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your shows.

Michigan State University Spartans Basketball Coach Tom Izzo met with the media on April 16 to discuss the state of the sport he loves and all of college athletics.Conversation Highlights:(0:00) – Tom's opening remarks. “We've created a bad system, and it's not specific to MSU. My biggest concern is that people are in the ears of the players all year. The portal is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. I'm worried about the kids; the pressure on them is enormous.”(10:24) – How do you manage the outside money? – “I'd love to have more transparency.”(16:44) – What keeps you doing this? – “I'm still living the dream.”(20:49) – Are these issues seeping down to the high schools?(25:06) – Talk about the departures of Gehrig Normand, Xavier Booker, and Tre Holloman.(31:48) – Are there conversations going on to try to change the system?(34:50) – Talk more about Jase Richardson.(39:26) – Is there an appetite among the players for more structure? – “There will be more unintended consequences.”(47:31) – What solutions would you suggest? And if nothing changes, where are we headed? – “I wish there was total transparency. And I wish coaches would respect each other more than I think we do.”(54:09) – How do you go about retaining your current players?(58:48) – Closing thoughts and Jud-isms.Listen to “MSU Today with Russ White” on the radio and through Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your shows.

The Izzo family has partnered with Playmakers to host this premium experience on the campus of Michigan State University. The mission is to connect alumni and the MSU and Mid-Michigan communities in a positive celebration of Coach Izzo's legacy. The events include a 5K run/walk, 5K roll, 1/2 K walk/roll, kids' races and a virtual 5K. All events will focus on fitness, fun, family, Spartan spirit and charitable giving.Proceeds from the 2025 Izzo Run/Walk/Roll will continue to support an endowment for The Izzo Legacy that will ensure charitable giving for years to come. Lupe Izzo and Marcy Gillespie Kinzer join me on this episode of MSU Today to discuss the history and mission of The Izzo Legacy and the details of the 2025 Izzo Run/Walk/Roll. Lupe is the founder and president of The Izzo Legacy, and Marcy is the Legacy's executive director.Conversation Highlights:(0:40) – Lupe, where does your ethos of community, altruism and giving back come from?(1:34) – What led you and Tom to create The Izzo Legacy?(4:52) – What is the mission of The Izzo Legacy?(5:22) – Marcy, what's your background, and what motivated you to become executive director of The Izzo Legacy?(6:59) – What are the details of the Izzo Run Walk and Roll potential participants should know?Listen to “MSU Today with Russ White” on the radio and through Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your shows.

Barbara O'Brien is a Professor of Law at the MSU College of Law at Michigan State University. And she's editor of the National Registry of Exonerations. The National Registry of Exonerations records exonerations won by exonerators such as Innocence Organizations, Conviction Integrity Units, and law school clinics. The registry captures statistics and analyzes trends, which are used by social justice advocates, legislative policymakers, legal scholars and researchers, and the media.The second week or April is National Crime Victims' Rights Week.Conversation Highlights:(0:53) - What's your background? How long have you been at MSU Law, and what attracted you here?(1:33) - What is an exoneration?(3:19) - How did you get interested and involved in tracking exonerations?(4:41) - Why was the National Registry of Exonerations formed and why is it important to document annual exoneration cases? How many cases have you tracked to date?(7:33) - How much work goes intro tracking exonerations? Can you walk us through that process?(9:47) - Every year, you release a report. What were some of the key findings from the 2024 report?(11:59) - Why should people care about this work? How has it helped lead to justice for wrongly convicted Americans?(15:43) - Has our criminal justice and legal system gotten better at investigating and bringing justice for wrongly convicted Americans?(19:54) - Are you able to share any of the applications of the report? Or in other words, are law firms, policy makers, or advocacy organizations using the registry?(21:46) - Where can people connect with the registry?Listen to “MSU Today with Russ White” on the radio and through Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your shows.

State of the State is the monthly round up of policy and research for the state of Michigan from Michigan State University's Institute for Public Policy and Social Research (IPPSR). Matt Grossmann and Arnold Weinfeld from IPPSR are joined by economist Charley Ballard to discuss the latest in politics and the economy.Matt is away this month. Arnold and Charley welcome MSU ecological economist Robert Richardson to this month's episode. Richardson is interested in the study of the environment and development. He recently led a team at MSU to study attitudes towards recycling in Michigan, especially as it relates to increasing what is known as the tipping fee. That's a disposal surcharge placed on garbage haulers.Conversation Highlights:(2:25) – Charley comments on the “stunning, shocking, and astonishing” tariffs President Trump has put in place.(10:19) - Is there any indication from prior history on the use of tariffs as to their efficacy in balancing trade or creating new jobs? (16:10) – Richardson describes his team's research.(19:25) – What did your survey find?(24:47) – “There's a great deal of logic if you're a landfill owner.”(27:46) – How do we encourage more recycling? And are citizens willing to pay more if they could recycle more products?(29:53) – “If you make recycling easy, you get a lot more recycling.”(31:29) – How does Michigan's bottle bill impact the state's recycling rate?Listen to “MSU Today with Russ White” on the radio and through Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your shows.

Michigan State University School of Journalism alumna and Ilitch Sports + Entertainment broadcast reporter for the Detroit Tigers and Detroit Red Wings Daniella Bruce joins me on this episode of MSU Today to share her Spartan Story.Bruce tells why she chose to attend MSU and how the university impacted her and prepared her for her career. She describes her new TV role with the Tigers and Red Wings and talks about the trend toward streaming of sports programming. She offers her advice for students today who want to follow in her footsteps and talks about causes she supports.Conversation Highlights:(0:20) – Where did you grow up, and why did you choose MSU for college?(1:37) – How did your MSU experience impact you and prepare you for your career?(3:08) – Describe your role with Ilitch Sports + Entertainment.(6:30) – Who inspired you to get into sports broadcasting, and why are you passionate about this work?(8:51) – How do you see the evolution of broadcasting going with the trend toward more streaming of content? And what are your career goals?(10:09) – What advice would you offer to MSU students today who want to follow in your footsteps?(11:52) – Do you have hobbies or interests outside of broadcasting you like to pursue when you have the time?(12:50) – Are there causes that are important to you that you like to work on?(13:43) – How would you describe what motivates you in your career and your life?(15:18) – What more would you say about where your industry is heading?(16:12) – Are there any professors from your time at MSU that impacted you?Listen to “MSU Today with Russ White” on the radio and through Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your shows.

Michigan State University is working toward climate neutrality by mid-century, doing its part to address the global climate crisis within our own community and on our own campus.  The goal is to provide exemplary stewardship of institutional resources to foster the long-term sustainability of MSU and its high-quality education, research and outreach and engagement programs Ultimately, a desire to achieve climate neutrality. Joining MSU Vice President for Strategic Initiatives Bill Beekman on this episode of MSU Today to discuss the electrification of the MSU fleet are Adam Lawver, assistant vice president of IPF operations in Infrastructure Planning and Facilities; Stephanie O'Donnell, university traffic engineer in the MSU Department of Public Safety; and Dr. Mehrnaz Ghamami, associate professor in Civil and Environmental Engineering. Conversation Highlights: (2:12) – Adam, how many vehicles are in the MSU fleet? What kinds of vehicles? We began the process of electrification in 2022.  How is that going?   (6:37) - What are the lessons learned so far? (11:54) – Mehrnaz, as an electric vehicle researcher and based on your work studying electric vehicle issues at MSU and across the state of Michigan, what lessons are you learning? (20:28) - How do we develop a state-wide or national charging strategy?  (22:34) – Stephanie, what is the role of a university traffic engineer?  How do you spend your workday? (25:04) – How are electric vehicles impacting your work? (28:27) - Where are the problem areas or “hot spots” that you're working to make better?  (32:46) - What changes are on the horizon for MSU parking, transportation, and safety? What will you be working on for the next three to five years? (34:21) – Mehrnaz, what will you be working on in the years ahead? (35:21) – Adam, what's ahead as our university fleet continues to evolve? (39:58) – Where do you like to travel when you're not working? Listen to “MSU Today with Russ White” on the radio and through Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your shows.

The Michigan State University College of Law is home to eight law clinics, each specializing in a public service area of the law that provides professional legal counsel to the most vulnerable people in society. Each clinic is directed by licensed attorneys who are members of the MSU Law faculty and staffed by law students who gain critical hands-on research and litigation experience. The clinics provide pro bono legal services and have won important cases for clients across the country.MSU Law clinics cover the following areas of the law: immigration, family and juvenile law, housing, small business, public defense, Indian law, tax law, and first amendment.In this law clinic podcast series, MSU Today explores how our law clinics have won life-changing cases for clients and have given students valuable experience to help launch successful legal careers. For today's episode, we talk with Joseph Kozakiewicz, director of the Chance at Childhood Clinic, as April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month.Conversation Highlights:(1:20) – What is your background? What brought you to MSU Law? (5:23) - You have been directing the clinic for over 20 years, so how did you get involved with the clinic? What are you passionate about this work?(8:27) - Provide us an overview of the clinic. What services do you offer and provide? The clinic is unique in how it engages both law and social work students. It's important to have students from both disciplines working together on cases.(17:08) - How does Michigan's child welfare system compare to other states?(19:19) - There is a growing movement and awareness to include social workers when it comes to law enforcement and the criminal justice system. Why is this important?(21:27) – How can people contact the clinic?(22:59) - What types of education and outreach work do you offer to legal and social work practitioners?(25:41) – Joe, what would you like us to keep in mind about the clinic?Listen to “MSU Today with Russ White” on the radio and through Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your shows.

Assistant Dean for University Advising Ebony Green and Vice President for Strategic Initiatives Bill Beekman discuss the evolution of the Student Success Pillar of the MSU 2030 Strategic Plan. Objective 1 of the theme is to strengthen MSU's ability to attract and meet the needs, goals and aspirations of dynamic undergraduate students from all backgrounds. And a strategy is to ensure all students have high-quality academic and career advising that grows with them from admission through graduation  Conversation Highlights: (0:42) – How is MSU 2030 evolving? “Refresh, Reframe, and Reimagine” (5:08) – What is the role of an advisor at MSU? What do we ask them to do? (6:53) - Advising lives in all our colleges, but your work is somewhat unique. You lead MSU's advising team that supports students who haven't selected a specific major.  Tell us a little about that role. (14:58) - Many students – and perhaps sometimes their parents as well – believe that a student should have a major firmly in mind when they enter college.  But an alternative perspective is that college should be a place that encourages exploration and changing majors is not only okay but somewhat expected.  What's your perspective? (17:25) - Reflecting on my undergraduate days all too long ago, I've always felt that much of my learning took place outside the formal classroom setting.  Sometimes it was simply conversations with classmates while at dinner in the residence hall.  Other times it was through more structured activities, in my case an internship.  We now call that experiential learning.  President Guskiewicz has shared that he believes experiential learning is very important for our students.  What role do you think this kind of learning should play in the education of MSU students? (22:03) - When we think about undergraduate students, we usually have in mind students who have come to us straight out of high school.  But we also welcome transfer students at MSU.  And because they're coming to us from a different university, their advising is uniquely important.  How does your advising team facilitate the important transition to MSU for our transfer students? And I understand that we have unique agreements with many of the community colleges across Michigan that make it easier, or at least more straightforward, for students wanting to complete their undergraduate education at MSU?  (Articulation Agreements; LCC – Envision Green) (28:38) – What pieces of advice would you give students and parents on relating to and taking advantage of MSU advisors? (31:06) - Ebony, we always end these conversations on a fun note.  You work with undergraduate students every day.  But I'd like you to think back on your own college career.  Do you have a favorite memory from that time? Listen to “MSU Today with Russ White” on the radio and through Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your shows.

On this episode of MSU Today we'll examine the role of race and identity in receiving and comprehending news. We'll do so with Michigan State University College of Communication Arts and Sciences scholars Christina Myers and Marisa Smith.Marisa Smith is an assistant professor of advertising and journalism. Through investigating the effects of political information, including disinformation, she examines the influence of race, identity, and politics on public policy support, political polarization, civic engagement, and political opinion.Christina Myers is an assistant professor of journalism. Her research bridges concepts of Critical Race Theory and Mass Communication theory to offer fresh perspectives on the intersection of race and media – specifically examining depictions of Black experiences and the presence of implicit racial bias and racist ideologies in narrative creation in the areas of music, sports and news. Christina is a former journalist.Conversation Highlights:(1:16) – Christina, what's your background, and what attracted you to MSU?(4:20) – Marisa, what's your background, and what attracted you to MSU?(7:42) – Marisa, describe your research interests. What are some of your recent research findings as they relate to race, identity and news coverage?(19:37) – Christina, describe your research interests. What are some of your recent research findings as they relate to race, identity and news coverage?(24:57) - What is Critical Race Theory? What are the facts and myths surrounding it? How have Critical Race Theory and Diversity Equity and Inclusion been weaponized?(40:24) - How can consumers be more critical about the information they're receiving?(48:42) – Summary of the conversation and final thoughts.Listen to “MSU Today with Russ White” on the radio and through Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your shows.

Michigan State University professors Jason Miller, a supply chain management expert, and David Ortega, a food economics and policy expert, explain what tariffs are and discuss the significance of Trump imposing tariffs on these three nations.Conversation Highlights:(0:47) – Jason, how long have you been at MSU, and what attracted you here?(1:07) – David, how long have you been at MSU, and what attracted you here?(1:34) – David, describe your research interests.(2:37) – Jason, what are your research interests?(3:48) – What are tariffs, and what are they designed to do?(6:30) – How will tariffs impact the U.S. economy?(10:30) – What are the impacts for Michigan businesses?(13:34) – What sectors or industries could be most impacted?(16:57) – What goods will consumers pay more for?(20:04) – How are China, Canada, Mexico, and the European Union responding?(24:17) – What should we keep in mind as this progresses in the next few months?(25:39) – What are some other supply chain issues you're watching?(27:00) – What other issues are you looking at in food economics?(31:07) – You are two of MSU's most quoted-in-the media professors. What's that experience like?Listen to “MSU Today with Russ White” on the radio and through Spotify, Apple Podcasts and wherever you get your shows.

State of the State is the monthly round up of policy and research for the state of Michigan from Michigan State University's Institute for Public Policy and Social Research (IPPSR). Matt Grossmann and Arnold Weinfeld from IPPSR are joined by economist Charley Ballard to discuss the latest in politics and the economy.On this episode, the trio discusses the short- and long-term political and economic impacts of tariffs. Conversation Highlights:(1:08) – What are the political impacts of tariffs, and what do you make of the UAW's support for them? Is this a trade war or a drug war?(3:31) – What about the economic impact? “The economic and political impacts are intertwined, and Michigan stands to lose the most.”(6:06) – How are the markets reacting?(7:51) – What about the long-term political impacts? What is the president's “out” if the tariffs lead to economic stress for consumers? What is the reaction from Congress and the impact on the president's approval rating?(9:38) – What are the four upcoming fiscal deadlines we should pay attention to? And what about cuts to Medicaid and Veterans Affairs? How do reduced staffs impact services?(14:15) – Are Americans fine with layoffs until they feel the cuts personally? “There is a tremendous amount of uncertainty. Corporations and consumers do not like uncertainty.”(18:02) – How will the Federal Reserve respond?(20:27) – What do you make of Governor Whitmer's response? And the Democratic response across the country seems to be all over the board. There doesn't seem to be a coherent response.(25:11) – What about the impact of cuts to the National Science Foundation, the National Institutes of Health and USAID?Listen to “MSU Today with Russ White” on the radio and through Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your shows.

Michigan State University, which believes in the collective responsibility to support and advocate for the equitable health and well-being of students, faculty and staff, on February 19 announced that it has adopted the Okanagan Charter as a member of the U.S. Health Promoting Campuses Network, or USHPCN. “We are excited to affirm our commitment to supporting health and well-being for all MSU students, faculty and staff by formally adopting the Okanagan Charter,” said Alexis Travis, assistant provost and executive director of University Health and Wellbeing. “The action lets students and employees who choose MSU know that we are coming together as a community to support a culture of care.”In this episode of MSU Today, Dr. Travis elaborates on the evolving mission of UHW at MSU.Conversation Highlights:(0:28) – What is the history and evolving mission of University Health and Wellbeing?(2:20) – What was the impetus for the February 2025 Health and Wellbeing Summit?(4:18) – What are the four priorities in the UHW Plan?(4:45) – What are some of the next steps as you implement the plan?(7:34) – What do you mean by “collective responsibility?”(9:16) – What is the Okanagan Charter that President Guskiewicz officially adopted at the summit, and what does it mean for MSU?(10:20) – UHW has a bold vision to be a premier health promoting university by 2030. What has to happen for this goal to be reached?(11:08) – What's ahead for UHW, and what is your hope for the culture of caring at MSU in the next five to ten years?(11:54) – What would you like us to keep in mind about UHW moving forward?Listen to “MSU Today with Russ White” on the radio and through Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your shows.

Welcome to another episode of Kevin's Conversations on MSU Today. Kevin is Michigan State University President Kevin Guskiewicz, who joins me occasionally to elaborate on key initiatives he's leading to guide MSU into its vibrant future. Today, Kevin welcomes the co-chairs of MSU's Health Sciences Council. The Health Sciences Council was convened under the guidance of the Office of the President to advise and support collaboration on curriculum, interprofessional education, clinical care and the development of strategies to enhance our performance in biomedical and public health research.  In today's episode, President Guskiewicz talks with co-chairs Joyce DeJong, dean of MSU's College of Osteopathic Medicine; and Jeff MacKeigan, senior advisor in MSU's Office of Research and Innovation and professor in the Department of Pediatrics and Human Development in the MSU College of Human Medicine. Conversation Highlights: (1:35) - Kevin, last June, you announced a thorough assessment of Michigan State's health sciences structure, given today's complex health care environment and MSU's unique mix of educational, research and clinical assets.  After six months of diligent work, the council has delivered its final report to you with several bold options for a more integrated approach, positioning the university as a model for addressing complex health challenges and advancing health and wellness. Please tell us more about why you have created the Health Sciences Council and what its mission is. What are some of those bold options?  (4:08) - Joyce and Jeff, how did you arrive at these options, and why do you think these are the key ones for us to act on first? (6:56) - Kevin, what do you mean by One Team? And Joyce and Jeff, what do you mean by One Health? (10:15) - Joyce and Jeff, what do you both see as both the challenges and opportunities ahead for MSU Health Sciences? How can this council's work positively impact its future?  (13:26) – Veterinary Medicine Dean Kim Dodd is on the council, too, and Vet Med will play a crucial role as we move forward. (14:36) – Joyce and Jeff, why are you so passionate about these possibilities, and what led you to accept Kevin's invitation to co-chair the council? (16:25) – Talk about the importance our external healthcare providers and partners play in this bold future and how those relationships will be strengthened. (18:45) - Kevin, what are next steps for the Council?  Listen to “MSU Today with Russ White” on the radio and through Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your shows.

Ubuntu is an ancient African word meaning “humanity to others”. It is often described as reminding us that “I am what I am because of who we all are.” It is a traditional African philosophy that emphasizes the interdependence of all people and the importance of community.  Core values of Ubuntu are: Compassion: Expressing compassion for others; Reciprocity: Treating others as you would want to be treated; Dignity: Valuing the dignity of all people; Humanity: Showing humanity to others; Mutuality: Working together for the benefit of the community.Upenyu Majee and Halla Jones are working to establish the Institute for Ubuntu Thought and Practice (IUTP) at Michigan State University.Conversation Highlights:(0:32) – Upenyu, what's your background, and what attracted you to MSU?(1:53) – Halla, what brought you to MSU?(2:44) – Say more about the Ubuntu Dialogues Project that initially brought you two together.(4:24) – How did the project evolve into the institute?(6:02) – What is the mission of the IUTP?(11:04) – What is the change you would like to see in the world today and how can Ubuntu help us get there?(13:47) – Why aren't we there yet? The concept of Ubuntu sounds so good. How and why are our lived experiences important to understand? “We listen to understand.”(21:12) – How is Ubuntu strategic and deeply necessary?(23:42) – What would you like us to keep in mind about the IUTP?(27:33) – How would you like citizens to get involved with IUTP? How do we get others to see themselves in the institute?Listen to “MSU Today with Russ White” on the radio and through Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your shows.

Give Green Day is MSU's university-wide day of philanthropy featuring unique giving priorities from across campus, all geared to supporting student success. ​​The goal is to provide an opportunity for all MSU connected programs to raise awareness for their funding needs and to encourage vital donations for their programs through outreach to alumni and friends of the university.​​The Michigan State University Federal Credit Union is lead sponsor for Give Green Day 2025 and, along with MSU's Office of the President, is providing a $100,000 challenge gift. The challenge gifts are used to incentivize giving by key audiences and encourage campus participation in promotion of the day.MSU offers specific matches for students, first-time faculty/staff donors, and current parents of Spartans, while also running hourly challenges throughout the day to encourage donors to give multiple times in support of different areas.  On this episode of MSU Today, MSUFCU President and CEO April Clobes and MSU Assistant Vice President for Alumni Nick McLaren talk about the day. Conversation Highlights: (0:42) – What is Give Green Day, and how is it different from MSU's daily philanthropy work? (1:41) – Why is MSUFCU so interested in supporting Give Green Day? And why are you so supportive of MSU throughout the year? (4:19) – How do the challenge gifts work?  (5:38) – Student success is a key focus of Give Green Day. (7:34) – How do people participate in Give Green Day? (10:51) – Final thoughts from MSUFCU, April? Listen to “MSU Today with Russ White” on the radio and through Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your shows.

John A. Hannah Distinguished Professor of Management and Psychology Quinetta Roberson and Assistant Professor of Communication Stephen Spates share their thoughts on the state and future of diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in the workplace.Conversation Highlights: (0:29) – Quinetta on her background and what brought her to MSU.(1:45) – Stephen on his background and what brought him to MSU.(3:25) – Stephen on his research interests.(5:18) – Quinetta on how her research interests have evolved.(7:52) – What is the state of diversity, equity, and inclusion issues today? – “People are reacting to the terminology rather than what is in practice.”(11:30) – “By putting the three words together, it takes away from what it's all about.”(13:47) – Are there some facts you would like to reinforce and/or some myths you'd like to dispel?(20:56) – How does increasingly pervasive technology like artificial intelligence play into all this?(26:04) – Are we in the moment of an opportunity? Is there some buyer's remorse with the phrase DEI?(32:04) – What are the three questions you ask leaders to reflect on?Listen to “MSU Today with Russ White” on the radio and through Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your shows.

Welcome to another episode of Kevin's Conversations on MSU Today. Kevin is Michigan State University President Kevin Guskiewicz, who joins me occasionally to elaborate on key initiatives he's leading to guide MSU into its vibrant future. Today, Kevin welcomes the co-chairs of his newly created Green and White Council. President Guskiewicz recently announced this significant progress of one of his premier initiatives by appointing former Bank of America executive and Michigan State University alumnus Matt Elliott and Broad College of Business Dean Emeritus and Professor Sanjay Gupta as co-chairs of the university's much-anticipated Green and White Council.  Conversation Highlights: (0:52) - President Guskiewicz, please tell us about why you have created the Council and what its mission is. (2:49) - Matt, give us your background, and what attracted you to co-chairing the Council. Why did you accept Kevin's invitation? (3:27) - Sanjay, give us your background. You have been at MSU for a while, what attracted you to co-chairing the Council. Why did you accept Kevin's invitation?  (7:10) - Matt, thank you for accepting my invitation to co-chair the Council. How did your MSU experience impact you and help get you where you are and how you'd like to share that experience to help others? (10:22) - Sanjay, what first attracted you to MSU and the Broad College?  And how did your role at the college evolve and how can your experience translate to our students?  (16:15) - Matt and Sanjay, what do you see as both the challenges and opportunities ahead for MSU and all of higher education? (25:27) - Matt and Sanjay: How do you see your expertise and experience most positively impacting the mission of the Green & White Council? And what synergies can be created by better linking our students to the various sectors in the business community? What are the pathways for internships and exploration and what I like to call experiential learning? (31:44) - Kevin, what are next steps for the Council? How will the Council operate, and how and when will we learn some of the outcomes the Council hopes to see? Listen to “MSU Today with Russ White” on the radio and through Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your shows.

Carmen Bradford is jazz royalty and a 2024 Grammy Award winner for “Basie Swings the Blues – the Count Basie Orchestra.” She's been nominated five times for Grammy Awards and is the recipient of the Los Angeles Jazz Society's Jazz Vocalist Award. With her body of work, which reflects her vast experience, versatility, and technical brilliance, she has carved out her place in jazz history, and she continues to contribute to the preservation of this uniquely American art form.In August 2024, Carmen joined the faculty as associate professor of jazz voice in the Jazz Studies program in the College of Music at Michigan State University.Bradford talks about her background and how she fell in love with singing. She details her relationship with Count Basie. And she tells how, when, and why she became involved with MSU's Jazz Studies program.Conversation Highlights:(0:22) – What is your background, and when did you fall in love with music and singing?(2:21) – Tell us about your “little girl” relationship with Count Basie.(14:31) – How, why, and when did you become involved in the MSU Jazz Studies program?(20:09) – How would you describe the MSU Jazz Studies program, and what makes it so great?(21:07) – Who has influenced your art, and who have you enjoyed performing with?(23:22) – Who are you listening to on Spotify these days?(23:57) – What would you like people to know about Carmen Bradford?Listen to “MSU Today with Russ White” on the radio and through Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your shows.

The Michigan State University College of Law is home to eight law clinics, each specializing in a public service area of the law that provides professional legal counsel to the most vulnerable people in society.  Each clinic is directed by licensed attorneys who are members of the MSU Law faculty and staffed by law students who gain critical hands-on research and litigation experience. The clinics provide pro bono legal services and have won important cases for clients across the country. MSU Law clinics cover the following areas of the law: immigration, family and juvenile law, housing, small business, public defense, Indian law, tax law, and first amendment. In this new law clinic podcast series, MSU Today explores how our law clinics have won life-changing cases for clients and have given students incredible starts to successful legal careers.  For today's episode, we talk with Christina Wease, director of the Alvin. L. Storrs Low-Income Taxpayer Clinic, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year.  Conversation Highlights: (1:23) - Christina, tell us about your background. How did you get involved in tax law and the Tax Clinic? (2:07) - What services and work do you provide at the clinic? (3:05) - Tell us about a case or two that exemplifies the reach of your work. (5:25) - Are there students who have chosen tax law as their career as a result of working in the tax clinic?   (6:00) - How do you get students interested in the Tax Clinic?  (7:36) - You are celebrating 25 years of operation. Why is this an important milestone? (8:17) - How do you keep up with changing tax law? (8:53) - Given laws and political changes in the state and the federal government, how might this change your work?  (9:44) - As many Americans are getting ready to file taxes, do you have any tips or suggestions?  (11:35) - How can people reach out to the clinic? Listen to “MSU Today with Russ White” on the radio and through Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your shows.

Teresa Dunn is a Mexican American artist raised in rural Southern Illinois. Her identity, life, and art are influenced by her racial and cultural heritages and the complexities of being a brown woman in the Midwest. She came to MSU in 2006 and is an associate professor of painting and drawing in the Department of Art, Art History, and Graphic Design in MSU's College of Arts and Letters. On this episode of MSU Today, she talks about her path to MSU and what inspires and motivates her art. And she describes her piece commemorating the inaugural Spartan Bus Tour. Conversation Highlights: (0:33) – Dunn elaborates on her background and what motivates her art. (1:53) – Were you always drawing as a child? When did you begin to express your heritage through your art? (3:03) – When does the feeling hit you that you want to and can express your feelings in your way? (5:40) – Did you feel a creative boost after coming to terms with how you want to express yourself through your art? (6:37) – How and why do you come to MSU in 2006? (7:39) – What do you enjoy about teaching? (8:57) – How have you seen students change over the years? (10:04) – When you create a piece, are there takeaways you hope people feel when experiencing your art? (11:32) – How did you become involved in commemorating the Spartan Bus Tour? (13:33) – How did you grasp the feeling and spirit of the tour? (15:14) – How would you describe your art, and what would like people to know about Teresa Dunn? Listen to “MSU Today with Russ White” on the radio and through Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your shows.

State of the State is the monthly round up of policy and research for the state of Michigan from Michigan State University's Institute for Public Policy and Social Research (IPPSR). Matt Grossmann and Arnold Weinfeld from IPPSR are joined by economist Charley Ballard to discuss the latest in politics and the economy. Former Michigan Congressman and Governor and U.S. Ambassador to Canada Jim Blanchard joins the trio to discuss the impact of potential tariffs on Canada. Conversation Highlights: (1:07) – Grossmann on the politics of President Trump's executive orders. (2:54) – Which executive orders do you think will be the most impactful? (3:46) – What is the reaction to the executive orders across the country? Is this what voters wanted? (4:36) – Charley, what about the impacts on the economy? (7:28) – Is the American economy working for most Americans? (9:44) – Matt, what's the impact of Gary Peters' announcement that he will not run for reelection to the U.S. Senate in 2026? (11:00) – How much will the Michigan governor's race impact the federal race and vice versa? (12:59) – Governor Blanchard's perspective on the potential tariffs on Canada. (17:12) – This isn't the first time tariffs have the potential to impact the American economy. (21:00) – Governor Blanchard says the tariffs will be inflationary. (23:52) – How are the markets reacting? (25:33) – Is this more bluster than reality? And what will the diplomatic damage be to our relationship with our allies? (27:13) – Who pays the price for tariffs that will raise the price of what American consumers buy? Listen to “MSU Today with Russ White” on the radio and through Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your shows.

Eli Sussman grew up in the Detroit suburb of Huntington Woods. After graduating from Berkley High School, MSU's James Madison College felt like a natural next step.  “One of the great things about James Madison is that the classes are small, and the conversation is lively,” says Sussman. “I thrived in that atmosphere.”  Perhaps that's because lively conversation has always been part of his life. Family was important in the Sussman house, and eating dinner together was a central component in the lives of his large circle.   Sussman says it was a long journey from an interest in politics to an interest in food. He always had cooking jobs to make money and worked at Lou and Harry's in East Lansing as a line cook. “I loved it,” he says. “It was so fun because there was great comradery. It was a hard job, but it spoke to me. The fire was lit at Lou and Harry's.”  After graduation and a study abroad experience at a music management and public relations firm in London, Sussman put this burgeoning interest in cooking aside and moved to Los Angeles to work in the music industry for five years.   “I was enjoying cooking on the weekends more than I was enjoying the weekdays at my desk,” he says. “At the time, the music business was transitioning away from CDs to digital downloads, and my brother, who was a chef in New York City, said to me ‘just come here and try it. You can always return to the music industry if you decide you don't like cooking.'  “I started back at the beginning and became a prep line cook. I knew instantaneously that I had made the right decision and that I would never return to the music industry.”  Sussman's latest project is a neighborhood bistro in Prospect Heights Brooklyn called Gertrude's that features Jewish and French influences. Eli's 7-layer kosher chocolate cake, inspired by the Jewish bakeries around Metro Detroit that he loved growing up, took on “a life of its own.” It was selected as one of The New York Times Top 8 Dishes of 2023 by food critic Pete Wells. “It's a nice way to tie my Michigan roots to a New York restaurant.”  In addition to going viral with his chocolate cake, Sussman now hosts the popular “Talkinin the WalkIn,” a video series in which Sussman interviews chefs in a restaurant's walk-in fridge.  “The optimal place in the restaurant where people go to hide or get away is the walk-in,” he says. “This is where the meat and potatoes of your thinking happens. The setting tends to lead to compelling conversations.”  Sussman encourages today's students to “be open to the idea that maybe the first thing you've chosen doesn't have to be the be-all end-all. You have many opportunities to reinvent yourself and start over. Focus on what excites you now. And if you don't know what that is yet, that's OK.”   Soon,Sussman will have a presence in Michigan in the form of Italian-American cuisine. Alo's, a joint venture with his brother, is slated for 2025 opening in Ann Arbor.    “Even though I haven't lived in Michigan since I was 18, I am a major advocate for Michigan; it's a huge part of my identity,” he says. “People sleep on how wonderful Michigan is as a produce state—we have incredible farms. My brother and I are really excited about using our restaurant to showcase that Michigan produce is the best in America.”   Conversation Highlights: (0:43) – Eli on growing up in suburban Detroit and why he chose MSU for college. (2:31) – Describe your journey from politics to the music industry to the culinary world. And how did your study abroad experience play into the process? (9:01) – How and when do you dive into the food world in New York City? (13:03) – How did your MSU and James Madison College experience impact you? (18:39) – How would you describe the fare you enjoy cooking for people to enjoy at Gertrude's? (21:18) – What is Talkin in the Walkin, and how did it come about? Why is cooking like being in college? (25:35) – Why do you enjoy “punching up” at the Michelin culture that exists in parts of the hospitality industry? (28:07) – What's your advice for students today regardless of what they want to do? What two major mistakes do you feel you made? (30:48) – What motivates you and gets you up and going every day? (32:44) – Tell us about your plans to open a restaurant in Ann Arbor. Listen to “MSU Today with Russ White” on the radio and through Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your shows.

Michigan State University alumna Heidi Przybyla is an award-winning investigative and television correspondent who is championing new approaches to reporting and delivering news that put the American people first.  She is a veteran journalist who has regularly broken exclusive reporting on how White House, congressional and presidential policy impacts everyday Americans and on the state of democracy at home. Her reporting has spanned leading newspaper, digital, radio and television outlets.  She's appeared on CNN, PBS, NPR, CBS, ABC, FOX and across NBC News platforms. Conversation Highlights: (0:58) - Describe your background and career path.  (3:14) - What attracted you to MSU, and how did your MSU experience impact you? (6:12) - Did you always know you wanted to be a journalist? Why are you passionate about journalism? (9:03) - Talk about the now-more-than-ever importance of journalism. What is its role in today's world and how is the mission evolving? How would you like to see journalism evolve? What are some of the “new approaches to reporting and delivering news that put the American people first?” (13:57) - What is the state of democracy at home? Do we need media literacy education? How does journalism need to evolve? (18:56) – What's your advice for today's journalism students? (21:51) – What do you want us to keep in mind about democracy and journalism and where it's all going? Listen to “MSU Today with Russ White” on the radio and through Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your shows.

Teresa K. Woodruff joined an elite group of Americans who have received two national medals of honor when President Joe Biden announced the latest recipients of the National Medal of Science on Jan. 3.  Arati Prabhakar, director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, presented Woodruff with the medal at a ceremony at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building in Washington, D.C., on the same date. The first person from Michigan State University to receive the National Medal of Science, Woodruff has made significant global contributions in scientific research, improvements to the scientific process and diversification of research teams. Woodruff is an MSU Foundation professor in both the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology at MSU's College of Human Medicine and the Department of Biomedical Engineering at MSU's College of Engineering. She was named provost of MSU in August 2020 and served as interim president of MSU from 2022-2024.   Established in 1959 by the U.S. Congress, the National Medal of Science is the highest recognition the nation can bestow on scientists and engineers. Teresa is the first MSU faculty member to receive the recognition.   President Barack Obama presented Woodruff with the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring in an Oval Office ceremony in 2011. It is very rare to receive two presidential honors.   Conversation Highlights: (1:36) - Congratulations! How does it feel? (2:30) - You're one of the world's leading fertility experts, and you pioneered the science of oncofertility in 2006 that has helped thousands of cancer patients protect their reproductive futures. Talk about how your interest in this area developed and describe your research interests. (4:43) - How is your research evolving? Findings lead to more questions, right? What is the zinc spark? (6:37) - Teaching and mentoring are important to you. You're an advocate for women in science and led efforts to change federal policy to mandate the use of females in fundamental National Institutes of Health research.Your students inspire you. Why is mentoring important to you and how are they helping carry on your work? (8:57) - Why MSU? You could do this research anywhere.  (9:57) – The burgeoning MSU Health Sciences. Listen to “MSU Today with Russ White” on the radio and through Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your shows.

State of the State is the monthly round up of policy and research for the state of Michigan from Michigan State University's Institute for Public Policy and Social Research (IPPSR). Matt Grossmann and Arnold Weinfeld from IPPSR are joined by economist Charley Ballard to discuss the latest in politics and the economy.  MSU sociologist Stephanie Nawyn joins the group to discuss Michigan residents' attitudes on immigration and refugees. Conversation Highlights: (2:15) – Ballard on impacts on the economy – tariffs, EV subsidies, and public health. Michigan has the busiest border crossing in North America. (7:45) – Grossmann on the impact on politics and policy. “Most things require bipartisan cooperation.” (9:36) – There will be unified government at the federal level and divided government at the state level. (14:26) – Nawyn describes her findings. What did you find about attitudes toward immigration and refugees? (16:52) – Is President-elect Trump reading the public correctly? (17:35) – What do you make of the differing views of Christians in places like Grand Rapids? (24:11) – Michigan has a long history of accepting and supporting refugees. “It's not just immigrants who will suffer. Pocketbooks will be impacted.” (26:23) – Ballard on economic impact. The biggest impact might be on the construction industry.  (28:11) – Will the political winds ever change? Listen to “MSU Today with Russ White” on the radio and through Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your shows.

Three Spartan alumni siblings – Dave Porteous, Bill Porteous, and Ruth Porteous Hamilton – had often thought of ways they could honor their parents, who had attended Michigan State College between 1937-1942. When the siblings learned of the project to renovate Campbell Hall into an Honors College living-learning community, they were immediately interested in helping to fund it because their parents – William and Mable Porteous – had met at Campbell Hall. Years later, the three siblings all followed their parents' footsteps to MSU. Now, together with their spouses and families, they have pledged $1 million to renovate the former cafeteria into what will be The Porteous Grand Hall. This new space will give future Honors College students a place to collaborate and build lasting connections, just like their parents did. (Brandi Stover & Melanie Brender) Dave, Bill, and Ruth talk about this cool Spartan story. Conversation Highlights: (1:01) - Talk about mom and dad in general and the impact they had on you. (4:13) - What motivated the gift? (7:31) – Why is it important to give back? Listen to “MSU Today with Russ White” on the radio and through Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your shows.

Michigan State University has announced the appointment of Alan Prather as director of the Beal Botanical Garden and Campus Arboretum. Prather has served as interim director since October 2021. Morgan Butts is director of communications and marketing for University Arts and Collections. Conversation Highlights: (0:43) – Describe your background and scholarship. (2:02) – Talk about the history and evolving mission of the garden. And what is rewilding? (3:23) - Beal Scholars Internship Program (4:47) - Red Cedar Riverbank Restoration research (5:39) - New Botanical collection database (6:29) - Strategic Plan/Land Use Plan  (7:12) – What is University Arts and Collections? (8:08) - Do you have a favorite memory of the garden? (9:37) – What are you most excited about for 2025? (10:48) – What would you like the campus community to know about “the interconnectedness of people, plants and place?” (12:03) – How can people support the garden? Listen to “MSU Today with Russ White” on the radio and through Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your shows.

Rebecca DeVooght is the vice president for Government Relations at MSU.  She describes the professional journey that led her back to her alma mater. She talks about the evolving mission of the Office of Government Relations. She talks about deepening relationships with new leaders at all levels of government and how MSU can evolve to meet the needs of Michigan even better than it already does. She describes the biggest policy issues facing higher education in the next few years and how MSU is positioning itself to address them. Conversation Highlights: (0:23) - Can you tell us a bit about your professional journey and what led you to this role as Vice President for Government Relations at Michigan State University? (3:11) - What does it mean to you personally and professionally to return to Michigan State in this capacity? Are there any experiences from your time as a student here that resonate with you now in your leadership role? (4:40) - As you've settled into this position since August, what have been your initial priorities, and what is your long-term vision for the Government Relations office?(7:54) - Advocacy and relationships are at the core of government relations. How do you plan to deepen MSU's partnerships with policymakers at the local, state, and federal levels? (11:46) - With Michigan's recent election results, including the election of a new U.S. Senator, Elissa Slotkin, and the Michigan House of Representatives returning to Republican control, how do you see these changes affecting MSU's policy priorities and engagement strategies? (15:51) - What do you see as the biggest policy issues facing higher education in the next few years, and how is MSU positioning itself to address them?(20:58) - What's one thing you hope to accomplish during your tenure at MSU that will leave a lasting impact on the university and its government relations work? Listen to “MSU Today with Russ White” on the radio and through Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get yours shows.

Joyce deJong is the dean of the Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine. An alumna of the college, she began her appointment on Feb. 5, 2024.  Earlier this year, she had the opportunity to deploy to North Carolina with the Disaster Mortuary Operational Response Team (DMORT) under the National Disaster Medical System (NDMS) following the devastating impact of Hurricane Helene. Her team, composed of members from across the country, gathered in Charlotte before heading out to assist with the mission.  Conversation Highlights: (1:08) - What is DMORT? What's the mission? And how does your expertise fit into that mission? (6:46) - Talk about the unique mix of emotions when such a deployment begins. (10:22) - How long have you been volunteering like this, and why do you do it? (15:39) - Can you describe the incredible damage you saw but also the resilience you saw in the people. (17:45) - Talk about your desire to bring that resilience back to MSU COM and about how your experience has reaffirmed some of your values that you believe are at the heart of osteopathic medicine and what you do at MSUCOM. (21:05) - How is it going as dean? Any surprises? Listen to “MSU Today with Russ White” on the radio and through Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your shows. 

MSU serves all 83 counties across Michigan with programs and partnerships that support the state's residents, bolster the economy and advance the common good.  MSU's outreach is extensive and supports these 83 counties with programs and partnerships that advance key industries, including agriculture and business—both big and small. On this episode of MSU Today, Kwesi Brookins and Quentin Tyler talk about outreach, engagement and extension at Michigan State University. Brookins is vice provost for University Outreach and Engagement, and Tyler is director of MSU Extension. Conversation Highlights: (0:48) – The gentlemen describe their roles at MSU. (2:48) – Why is it important that we engage with the public, and what's the difference between outreach and extension? (4:05) – Highlight some MSU Extension initiatives. (6:45) – Highlight some initiatives from Outreach and Engagement. (9:13) – What are some societal challenges and opportunities ahead? Listen to “MSU Today with Russ White” on the radio and through Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your shows.

As a leading global public research university, MSU generates knowledge and innovation that is crucial to grow Michigan's economy in automotive, engineering, health care and beyond, and to improve the health & well-being of our state and our citizens. A top global public research university, MSU has built a research enterprise that reaches every part of Michigan, driving the state's economy and contributing to a stronger, healthier present and future. On this episode of MSU Today, three Spartan scholars explore the impact of MSU's research on the state, country and world. Jeff MacKeigan is senior advisor for the Office of Research and Innovation and professor in the College of Human Medicine. George Smith directs MSU AgBioResearch. John Verboncoeur is senior associate dean for research in the College of Engineering. Conversation Highlights: (1:11) – The gentlemen define their roles at MSU. (2:38) – Why is conducting research important to MSU's mission?  (4:31) – Give us some examples of cool research happening in your area. (9:16) – What are some of the societal challenges inspiring cutting-edge research? (18:32) – What is the Smart Ag Initiative? (22:10) – FRIB is a major contributor to MSU research. (24:03) – George has another example of “transformational research” at MSU related to energy. (29:47) – What is the Engineering and Digital Innovation Center? (33:45) – Final thoughts on MSU research impact. Listen to “MSU Today with Russ White” on the radio and through Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your shows. 

The presidential election is now behind us and Michigan played a crucial role in the election results. For MSU Today's 2024 Election Spotlight Series, I'm talking with MSU researchers and experts who can discuss all things elections and politics. Each guest brings a unique perspective on research and work they are doing that relates to the 2024 election.  To conclude this series, I'm joined by experts from MSU's Department of Political Science to breakdown the presidential outcome and Michigan's statewide election results. These guests include Matt Grossmann, director of MSU's Institute for Public Policy and Social Research (IPPSR) and professor of American Politics; Nura Sediqe, assistant professor and a core faculty member in the Muslim Studies Program; and Meghan Wilson, assistant professor of American Politics.  Conversation Highlights: (1:03) - Tell us about your research and how it related or connected to the election? (2:28) – Meghan asks Matt how we got here. Is there hope for a less polarized world? (3:55) – What were you watching heading into Election Night and what is your general reaction and explanation of the outcome? (7:40) - How did Arab Americans and Muslim voters impact results in Michigan and nationally? Is their shift to the right permanent, or will they return to the Democratic Party? (8:58) – How did Black voters impact results in Michigan and nationally? (11:34) – Is the gender divide real and how did it impact the election? (12:59) - The State House will now shift back to Republican control. What could this mean for Michigan the next two years? (14:33) -To what do we attribute the rightward turn in this election? (17:13) – Is splitting one's ticket a trend that's growing? (18:22) – Do we need to beef up civics and media literacy instruction? (22:25) – Do you think anyone who didn't vote the top of the ticket or who voted for a third-party candidate regrets that vote? (25:59) – How accurate were the polls? (29:38) – What will you be reflecting on when you think about the 2024 election? (33:33) – Are any voters regretting their vote? (35:35) – Did you see any backlash to liberal urban governance? Listen to “MSU Today with Russ White” on the radio and through Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your shows.

Procrastination By Sorting, Memories of Magazines, Computer Awareness, Obscurity and General Interest, Compute!, Creative Computing, Reader Service, The Gained Bricks of Foundation, The Waterfall of Text, A Prayer of Appreciation. Whenever I sow seeds of doubt something good has happened with the work I do, I just look at the magazine rack at the Internet Archive and love walking its stacks and collections. Here's some thoughts on that.

Concrete is the second largest consumed material in the U.S., and its production is responsible for 8% to 10% of carbon dioxide emissions. Civil engineers at Michigan State University have developed flexible concrete that is self-healing and produces heat, which could prove to be an environmentally friendly option for roads in terms of snow and ice removal.  Qingxu “Bill” Jin says this could revolutionize the concrete industry. Jin is an assistant professor in the College of Engineering.  Flexible concrete technology offers a more resilient solution for modernizing civilian and military infrastructure while reducing carbon emissions and improving infrastructure durability. It has the potential to deliver cost savings and environmental benefits intransportation, energy, and space exploration, while supporting U.S. decarbonization goals. Jin is joined by two of his students, Diego Aparicio and Nathan Denning, to describe the research and its potential. Conversation Highlights: (0:24) – Bill, Diego and Nathan introduce themselves. (2:21) – Why is MSU the ideal place to do this research? (6:15) – Bill highlights the accomplishments and credentials of Diego and Nathan. (7:24) – Talk about the mission of your Resilient, Intelligent, Sustainable and Energy Efficient Infrastructure Materials Lab (RISE). (10:50) – Diego and Nathan on when they first learned about flexible concrete and Bill's work. (12:43) – What are the benefits of flexible concrete? (16:58) – How will flexible concrete improve the average citizen's daily life? (19:45) – What has surprised you so far about this research, and what are the next steps? (23:45) – Diego and Nathan with more on their MSU experience. (27:02) – What are some key takeaways from our conversation? Listen to “MSU Today with Russ White” on the radio and through Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your shows.

Dedicated to improving lives today and tomorrow, Michigan State University delivers extraordinary impact to individuals and communities across the state of Michigan through its academic and research excellence and its network of community engagement and outreach, made possible by the uncommon will of Spartans to pursue excellence and advance opportunity for the common good.  MSU and its world-class faculty educate more Michigan students than any other university and many graduates stay in-state, where they propel innovation, improve their communities and change lives. How does MSU's talent pipeline contribute to a stronger Michigan? Discussing that on this episode of MSU Today are Garth Motschenbacher, director of Employer Relations, College of Engineering; Gerica Lee, director of Pathway Programs, College of Osteopathic Medicine; Gail Richmond, director, Teacher Preparation Program and new Community Teachers Initiative; and Lyman Briggs College and College of Osteopathic Medicine alumna Brittany Ladson Garza, currently doing her residency in emergency medicine in Michigan. Conversation Highlights: (1:25) - Identify yourselves and talk about your roles at MSU, especially as your role relates to feeding the talent pipeline.  (10:08) - What exactly is a talent pipeline?(17:49) - Talk about some of the ways you and your college are feeding the talent pipeline. (23:08) - What are both some challenges and opportunities ahead as we try to grow the talent pipeline? Listen to “MSU Today with Russ White” on the radio and through Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your shows.

Michigan native and Michigan State University alumnus Sam Klemet is co-executive director of the Detroit Automobile Dealers Association (DADA). The DADA represents nearly 300 domestic and import new car and truck dealerships in Southeast Michigan and oversees the Detroit Auto Show, which has had an economic impact of $8 billion over the last 25-plus years. A career broadcaster and association management professional, Klemet joins the DADA team and will work alongside Rod Alberts, DADA and Detroit Auto Show Executive Director.  Alberts will remain in his position, co-directing with Klemet, through the 2025 Detroit Auto Show, Jan. 10-20.    Klemet comes to the DADA from the Michigan Association of Broadcasters, where he was President and CEO since 2021.  There, he led advocacy initiatives, continuing education and awards programs on behalf of 285-member commercial TV and radio stations and 30 public TV and radio stations.  In this role, he was also responsible for coordinating legislative initiatives in Washington D.C. and Lansing. (DetroitAutoShow.com)    Conversation Highlights: (0:23) – What's your background, and why did you choose MSU for college? (0:57) – How did your MSU experience impact you? (2:26) – What were you doing as president and CEO of the Michigan Association of Broadcasters (MAB)? (4:42) – What's the mission of the Detroit Automobile Dealers Association (DADA)? (6:41) – How did you go from the MAB to DADA? (10:18) – What are you doing to evolve the Detroit Auto Show? (12:32) – What are the challenges and opportunities ahead for your dealers? (13:54) – What's your overall advice for today's students? Listen to “MSU Today with Russ White” on the radio and through Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get yours shows.

If you are one of the tens of millions of Americans who loves football—and who simultaneously worries if it can be safely played—then Dr. David Kaufman's book is must-read. Like such classics as Paper Lion and A Fan's Notes, We Need You in the Locker Room provides a fascinating, unique, and immensely readable perspective on a game we only think we know. As a neurologist assigned to work with the coaches and players, his time in the locker room and on the sidelines made him an intimate witness to the drama, teamwork, and courage of young athletes—and to the toll this violent game exacts on them. A intimate look into a championship season, this book is alsoa smart, sensitive argument for how football can be preserved. Conversation Highlights: (0:27) – When did you come to MSU, and why were you attracted here? (1:14) – Talk about your role as a neurologist. (2:00) – When did you start focusing on concussions in football? (2:36) – What is a concussion? (2:57) – When and how did you become involved with the MSU football team? (3:57) – What motivated you to write the book? (5:36) – Who do you think should read the book? (6:46) – Talk about the special relationship you developed with Coach Mark Dantonio. (7:47) – What are facts about concussions do you want to reinforce and myths you want to dispel? (8:41) – Would parents of student-athletes find your book interesting? (10:24) – You're donating all profits from the book to two MSU charities. (10:54) – What do you hope readers take away from the book? (12:18) – What is your role at MSU now? Listen to “MSU Today with Russ White” on the radio and through Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your shows.

Michael Sant'Ambrogio is the new dean of MSU College of Law, effective October 25, 2024. The new dean talks about his and the college's teaching and scholarship strengths. He tells why he wants to be dean of the college. And he shares goals for the college and discusses challenges and opportunities ahead. Conversation Highlights: (0:22) – How long have you been at MSU, and what first attracted you here? (0:59) – What are your teaching and scholarship interests? (1:40) – What are the college's teaching and scholarship strengths? (2:32) – Why do you want to be dean of the college? (4:03) – What are some of your goals for the college? (5:39) – What are challenges and opportunities along the way? (7:38) – What's the state of the law profession your graduates are entering? (8:56) – What kind of student come to MSU Law? And why should those considering a career in law come to MSU? Listen to “MSU Today with Russ White” on the radio and through Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your shows.

Following his Sept. 29 investiture, Michigan State University President Kevin M. Guskiewicz, Ph.D., announced one of his first initiatives was to bring “MSU to Michigan,” and he did so by leading MSU's inaugural Spartan Bus Tour. We set out from campus Monday morning October 21 from Kellogg Center. (0:20) - President Guskiewicz opens the tour. (1:14) - Our first stop was in Mount Pleasant to visit the Ziibiwing Center of Anishinabe Culture and Lifeways. Eric Rodriguez is interim public relations director for the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe. (4:20) - The next stop on the tour was in Le Roy to visit M&R Pickling, an Amish-owned canning company founded in 2013. The company is a client of the MSU Product Center, which supports innovation and growth for those in food, agriculture and natural resource sectors. Then it was on to a stop at the Camp Grayling Joint Maneuver Training Center, the largest National Guard training facility in the United States and the main training facility for the Michigan National Guard. At the stop, we met Michigan native Colonel Lucas J. Lanczy, the current commander of JMTC and got a brief welcome and history of the site to learn about the center's economic and environmental impact in the region.  (6:15) - We remained in Grayling for our next stop at a somewhat hidden MSU jewel, Camp Wa Wa Sum. Brandon Baswell is service manager with IPF Real Estate. (8:13) - As we headed to Traverse City to spend the night, President G, as we affectionately called our leader on the tour, reflected on Day 1. (11:40) - Day 2 of the tour began in Traverse City at the Northwest Michigan Horticulture Research Center. The 137-acre Center was founded in 1979 by the area's fruit growers who wanted a research center of their own — a place that could help with unique issues that come with growing fruit in a region unlike any other — so they turned to MSU. Nikki Rothwell is an MSU extension specialist and coordinator of the center. (16:02) - After a group walk up part of the Sleepng Bear Dunes National Lakeshore in Glen Arbor, we enjoyed lunch at Arcadia Bluffs Golf Club, a nationally renowned golf destination located on the shores of Lake Michigan, offering two championship golf courses. Founded in 1999, the golf club is built on the bluffs above the shore of Lake Michigan.  Arcadia Bluffs is routinely rated a top 50 course in the country. We heard a presentation from club representatives and alumni who graduated from MSU's top turfgrass management program. Then it was on to Ludington State Park, a public recreation area located two miles north of Ludington, occupying 5,300 acres between the shores of Lake Michigan and Hamlin Lake. Ethan Theuerkauf, an MSU assistant professor and coastal geomorphologist described his research that focuses on how and why coastal landscapes, such as beaches, barrier islands and wetlands change over time.  As we boarded the bus in Ludington on our way to the Martinez Farm in Conklin, we learned more about MSU Migrant Student Services. Day 2 of the tour ended with an evening reception at the Muskegon Museum of Art. Teresa Dunn, a Mexican American artist and MSU professor who has artwork on view in the museum joined the group and talked about her art. (19:25) - Day 3 of the tour began with a stop at Muskegon High School to learn about current and future pre-college programs in teaching and osteopathic medicine.  (23:24) - Next was a stop in Rockford to view PFAS remediation sites. MSU's Center for PFAS Research, formed in 2020, is an interdisciplinary center that leads agricultural and natural resource PFAS research in Michigan and works with communities to create remediation strategies.  (26:08) - Next, the Spartan Bus Tour headed to MSU's Grand Rapids Innovation Park that anchors the “Medical Mile” in Grand Rapids. It includes the MSU Grand Rapids Research Center, Doug Meijer Medical Innovation Building and Perrigo's North American corporate headquarters. MSU's College of Human Medicine has roots here as well, located in the nearby Secchia Center.  Then it was off to visit Herman Miller, a subsidiary of MillerKnoll that produces office furniture, equipment and home furnishings. (28:07) - As our extraordinary driver, Tina Martin from Dean Trailways, began taking us to Hickory Corners and a visit to the Kellogg Biological Station, KBS interim director Jeff Conner hopped on the bus to prepare us for our visit to this MSU jewel. The W.K. Kellogg Biological Station, or KBS, is MSU's largest off-campus education complex and one of North America's premier inland field stations. ...

Katie Sullivan has type 1 diabetes and uses an insulin pump. She is also a health care professional. During the last daylight saving time, or DST, change, she accidentally shifted the settings on her pump from a.m. to p.m. and received an incorrect dose of insulin, which caused an unexpected increase in her blood glucose level. Sullivan developed hyperglycemia because she was not getting enough insulin during the day. Fortunately, she caught the error before going to bed, when the altered insulin dose could have had damaging effects. Sullivan, a nurse practitioner at the Michigan State University Health Care Endocrinology Clinic, shared her experience with colleagues Saleh Aldasouqi, professor in the Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism at the MSU College of Human Medicine who also practices at MSU Health Care, and Howard Teitelbaum, professor in the Department of Family and Community Medicine in the MSU College of Osteopathic Medicine. Together, they authored an article on the difficulties of DST, which was published in Clinical Diabetes, a journal of the American Diabetes Association. Conversation Highlights: (0:54) – Katie introduces herself. (1:24) – Saleh introduces himself. (2:20) – What's potentially dangerous about daylight saving time and insulin pumps? (4:54) – Katie, talk about how you discovered this issue. (6:37) – What can happen to a diabetic who doesn't have the correct time set on their pump? (9:30) – What should people who use insulin pumps be careful of? (11:59) – How many people in the country use insulin pumps? Listen to “MSU Today with Russ White” on the radio and through Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your shows.

State of the State is the monthly round up of policy and research for the state of Michigan from Michigan State University's Institute for Public Policy and Social Research (IPPSR). Matt Grossmann and Arnold Weinfeld from IPPSR are joined by economist Charley Ballard to discuss the latest in politics and the economy.  Gongwer News Service President for Michigan Operations Zach Gorchow joins the group to assess the homestretch of the 2024 general election. Conversation Highlights: (1:08) – How is the economy doing? And what about the massive federal debt? (4:15) – What do you expect to happen with the expiring Trump tax cuts next year? (6:05) – We don't seem to be hearing as much about taxes this election season. And what do you make of Trump's tariff proposals? (10:57) – How is the race for the Senate and House looking nationally? (13:17) – How is the election looking in Michigan? (17:58) – Where are the candidates who can garner some crossover votes? (21:00) – What does your crystal ball tell you about some of the close races in Traverse City and Marquette? (26:35) – What about the Congressional races to succeed Elissa Slotkin and Dale Kildee? (32:31) – How do you see the Slotkin/Rogers Senate race shaping up? Listen to “MSU Today with Russ White” on the radio and through Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your shows.

Tom Izzo is entering his 30th year as head coach of the Spartans men's basketball team. On October 17, he addressed the media and student journalists to preview the 2024/25 season and talk about the state of college basketball. Conversation Highlights: (0:00) – Opening comments. Reflections on trip to Tom's alma mater Northern Michigan University. (4:48) – Are you looking back or forward as you begin your 30th year as head coach? What's the balance? (7:12) – How is leadership developing on the team? (8:52) – How are roles developing on the team? (10:23) – How will conference realignment impact basketball. And are you OK with football being the king in most athletic departments? (14:12) – How is Jase Richardson progressing? (16:49) – Is anyone on the roster developing into your go-to scorer in crunch time? (18:42) – Do you have a starting line-up in mind yet? (20:43) – More on leadership development. (22:10) – What keeps your engine driving for you? (24:45) – Talk about Frankie Fidler's game. (26:51) – How do you support your players' mental health? (30:55) – Is there anyone on the roster you think might surprise us? Maybe someone underrated? (32:46) – Talk about turnovers. (35:03) – Talk about rebounding. (36:37) – How has the Covid era impacted the game? (41:14) – Talk about how putting your team together is like putting together a puzzle.  (43:21) - Talk about Jaxon Kohler's development. (44:56) – What's the update on Gehrig Normand and how is Xavier Booker's game developing? (47:56) – How have you changed as a coach over 30 years?  (49:34) - Do you coach different generations differently? (53:01) – What qualities do you look for in players you recruit? (55:47) – Talk about how important former players are to your team. And what do you expect from your current players when they become alumni? (59:20) – How is Coen Carr's game developing? (1:01:38) – Closing remarks. Listen to “MSU Today with Russ White” on the radio and through Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your shows.

The presidential election is right around the corner and Michigan is going to play a crucial role in the election results.For MSU Today's 2024 Election Spotlight Series, I'm talking with MSU researchers and experts who can discuss all things elections and politics. Each guest brings a unique perspective on research and work they're doing that relates to the 2024 Election. For today's episode, we are not talking with faculty. Instead, we have guests joining us who are playing active roles in getting out the vote around campus and the greater Lansing community. We are joined Marie Wicks, city clerk of East Lansing, Shawn Turner, general manager of WKAR and Renee Brown, executive director of MSU's Center for Community Engaged Learning and co-director of MSUvote. Su Webster is co-director of MSUVote and director of Community and Student Relations. Conversation Highlights: (1:09) – What is WKAR's role in the election? (1:53) – Describe your role as East Lansing city clerk. (2:32) – Tell us about your roles at MSU. (4:27) – What is MSUVote? (5:38) – How is East Lansing engaging residents about voting? And what can you tell us about Michigan's new voting laws? (9:40) – What should we know about voting at WKAR this year? (12:30) – Remind us about registering and voting in precincts across the state. (13:59) – Are there any MSUVote events coming up? Listen to “MSU Today with Russ White” on the radio and through Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your shows.

The presidential election is right around the corner and Michigan is going to play a crucial role in the election results.For MSU Today's 2024 Election Spotlight Series, I'm talking with MSU researchers and experts who can discuss all things elections and politics. Each guest brings a unique perspective on research and work they're doing that relates to the 2024 Election. Monique Mitchell Turner is a professor and chair of the MSU Department of Communication. She studies the role that emotion plays in persuasion. She has been researching anger since the 1990s, with emphasis on whether appeals to anger can work for politicians and activists and how it affects what we think and pay attention to.  Conversation Highlights: (0:57) – What's your background, and what attracted you to the deanship of the Department of Communication? (2:35) – What's the history and mission of the Department of Communication? (4:13) – What are your research interests? (5:42) – Talk about the dominant force that anger can be in driving judgments and decision making, particularly as it relates to the election. (8:40) – Candidates for office understand that fear and anger can motivate voters, right? Listen to “MSU Today with Russ White” on the radio and through Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your shows.