Michigan State University
Coverage of Michigan State University in the Nexus archive.
- DNR releases results of multi-year remote camera survey of wolves in the Upper Peninsula
Researchers used remote camera surveys to estimate Michigan's wolf population in the Upper Peninsula for the first time. The survey provided monthly estimates demonstrating lower counts during late winter and higher counts in the fall when pups are active. Both the camera surveys and DNR winter track surveys estimated just under 800 gray wolves in the U.P. during February/March 2024.
- Michigan winemakers have a new climate worry: More wildfire smoke
Michigan winemakers are increasingly concerned about wildfire smoke affecting grape quality due to climate change, with experts noting the challenge of detecting smoke taint in wines. Despite recent smoke events, current grape development stages suggest minimal immediate impact, but long-term adaptation may be necessary.
- Study suggests some Great Lakes lake sturgeon could live more than 400 years
A study by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and universities suggests some Great Lakes lake sturgeon may live over 400 years, twice the previously known lifespan. Researchers used growth rings in otoliths and long-term tracking to estimate longevity, finding some females could reach 427 years. The study compared sturgeon lifespans to Greenland sharks, the longest-lived vertebrates.
- Could wildfire smoke change the flavor of wine grapes in northern Michigan?
Wildfire smoke in northern Michigan has raised concerns about its impact on wine grapes, as the region's $9 billion wine industry faces potential challenges from 'smoke taint' due to increased wildfires linked to climate change. Experts like Kasey Wierzba and Paolo Sabbatini note that while current smoke exposure was brief and early in the season, ongoing research is needed to address long-term risks.
- Need free school supplies? Here’s how Detroit parents can get back-to-school gear for their kids.
Detroit parents can access free school supplies, backpacks, and additional resources like haircuts, wellness checkups, and food through citywide events organized by multiple organizations. Events include family activities and require early arrival due to limited supplies.
- Seedling data shows Michigan forests under pressure from climate change, deer, disease
Michigan forests are experiencing pressure from climate change, deer, and disease. Researchers from Michigan State University track seedlings using markers placed around their base.
- Detroit wants to elevate youth voices in leadership – that means giving them real power
Detroit has established a youth advisory council and revived the Midnight Basketball League to address concerns over youth gatherings and curfew violations. The city aims to provide structured, safe spaces for teens while avoiding tokenism by ensuring youth have real influence in decision-making processes.
- Corporation aims to boost MSU sports revenue. Should it operate in secret?
A corporation plans to increase Michigan State University's sports revenue. The article raises questions about whether the corporation should operate secretly. The mention of Sparty, the university's mascot, contextualizes the focus on MSU sports.
- MSU researcher uses this unlikely tool to help others understand rural community issues
A Michigan State University researcher developed a board game called 'Connected Community' to address rural challenges like internet access and digital literacy. The game, created in partnership with two MSU professors, simulates resource allocation decisions in rural communities.
- Man bitten by Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake in Commerce Township
A man is recovering after being bitten by an Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake in Commerce Township, Michigan. The incident, described as a rare medical emergency, involved the state's only venomous snake, which is typically found in wetland habitats. Authorities and Michigan State University provided guidance on snake bite response and the snake's characteristics.
- Can you make a black hole in a lab? Here’s what a MSU scholar says
The article discusses the theoretical possibility of creating a black hole in a lab and references Stephen Hawking’s theory that such a black hole would evaporate quickly. It highlights Stephen Dikerby, a postdoctoral scholar at Michigan State University, who studies the x-ray and gamma-ray universe.
- How redefining one word strips the Endangered Species Act’s ability to protect vital habitat
The Trump administration redefined the term 'harm' in the Endangered Species Act, removing habitat destruction as a prohibited action. This change could allow habitat modification for species like northern spotted owls and green sea turtles, undermining protections critical to their survival.
- MSU president Kevin Guskiewicz opens up after reversing his decision to leave the university
Michigan State University President Kevin Guskiewicz reversed his decision to leave the university, citing unresolved issues with the board of trustees. He had previously announced plans to join Clemson University, but that offer was rescinded. Guskiewicz criticized the board for divisive behavior and a focus on past conflicts rather than future progress.
- Snapshot: What ICE arrests looked like in farm counties last year
In 2025, 145 of 453 U.S. farming counties experienced ICE arrests, the highest since 2018, as the Trump administration intensified immigration enforcement. A Michigan State University survey found 14% of California farmers reported worker losses due to ICE-related fears, though direct losses were minimal. The administration also expanded H-2A visa access for dairy farms to address labor concerns.
- Michigan State University names interim athletic director
Michigan State University has appointed Jon Palumbo as interim athletic director following former athletic director J Batt's departure. Palumbo, currently serving as MSU’s executive deputy athletics director and chief operating officer, will continue as CEO of Spartan Ventures and seek a board member replacement during his interim tenure.
- DOJ to send election monitors to Detroit, Lansing, East Lansing
The Department of Justice plans to send election monitors to Detroit, Lansing, and East Lansing for the Aug. 4 primary. East Lansing is noted as the home of Michigan State University.
- Michigan State University President Kevin Guskiewicz reverses decision, will stay at MSU
Michigan State University President Kevin Guskiewicz reversed his decision to leave for Clemson University and will remain at MSU due to personal reasons. He cited his family's connection to the university and emphasized rebuilding trust through consistent actions and collaboration with the community and Board of Trustees.
- Newly named Clemson president opts to stay at Michigan State
Kevin Guskiewicz, previously announced as the new president of Clemson University, has decided to remain at Michigan State University for personal reasons. The Clemson University Board of Trustees was notified of this decision and has selected Guskiewicz.
- Clemson says Kevin Guskiewicz to remain at Michigan State University
Kevin Guskiewicz will remain as president of Michigan State University despite initially accepting a position at Clemson University. The decision follows his contract extension through 2031 and a doubled salary to $2 million, amid controversial changes to MSU’s Board of Trustees code of conduct. Clemson stated Guskiewicz will stay for 'personal reasons,' reversing his earlier departure plan.
- Kevin Guskiewicz to stay on as Michigan State University president after taking Clemson job
Kevin Guskiewicz remains as president of Michigan State University after accepting a position at Clemson University. Clemson University removed the announcement of his new role and stated he chose to stay at MSU for personal reasons. A campus campaign expressing support for Guskiewicz emerged, while the university board addressed internal governance challenges.
- Colleges Serving More Autistic Students Than They Realize, Researchers Say
New research from Michigan State University finds that enrollment among autistic students in colleges is far higher than previously estimated, underscoring gaps in how campuses identify and support students.
- Whale remains have been washing up in Michigan for years -- here’s why
Whale remains, including baleen, sperm, bowhead, and finback species, have been discovered across Michigan. Experts attribute this to the state's geological history, where melting glaciers and ancient waterways allowed marine life to inhabit inland regions thousands of years ago.
- Why the Declaration of Independence still matters
The Declaration of Independence, which turns 250 this year, established the United States and enshrined rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Raul Rodriguez, a political science professor at Michigan State University, provides insights into the document's historical significance and relevance today.
- 3 years ago, Michigan’s hands-free driving law went into effect. Now a survey reveals the impact
Michigan’s hands-free driving law, in effect for three years, has led to 96,000 fewer drivers using phones while driving, according to a Michigan State University survey. Drivers under 30 remain twice as likely to use phones compared to older drivers, and violations carry fines up to $250, with mandatory courses for repeat offenders.
- Michigan voters will see an option for a constitutional convention this year -- here’s what it means
Michigan voters will decide in November 2026 whether to convene a constitutional convention in 2027 to draft a general revision of the state constitution. The question appears every 16 years as mandated since 1850, with the current constitution adopted in 1963. A 2010 attempt saw 67% of voters reject the proposal.
- Deed fraud can cause Detroiters to lose their homes – here’s why it’s hard to catch the thieves
Kim Page, a Detroit homeowner, fell victim to deed fraud after investing $27,000 in repairs to a property she purchased in 2021. Scammers forged her name on the deed, changed locks, and took control of her home, highlighting a growing national issue of property title theft. The Wayne County Register of Deeds confirmed the fraud, which allows criminals to sell or drain equity from stolen properties.
- Michigan universities can’t study dispensary pot on campus. MSU went mobile
Federal restrictions on cannabis research have prompted Michigan State University (MSU) researchers to conduct off-campus studies using a van. Omayma Alshaarawy leads the Cannabis Legalization in Michigan research group, which adapts to these limitations by studying cannabis users away from campus.
- Pennington researchers help identify resilience factors in female athletes
Researchers from LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center and collaborators studied nearly 400 female athletes to identify modifiable factors influencing psychological resilience, such as emotion regulation, sleep quality, and social support. The study found higher resilience correlates with lower rates of depression, anxiety, and stress, emphasizing resilience as a trainable set of skills rather than a fixed trait.
- Should Michigan governor appoint university boards? It could backfire, some say
Voters currently elect governing board members for Michigan's three largest public universities. A new proposal seeks to shift this authority to the governor, but some argue it could backfire.
- To change the narrative, you have to change the reality that created it
Michigan State University is addressing a leadership crisis by evaluating new governance structures and leadership selection processes. The university's trustees propose a facilitated discussion for interim and long-term leadership, while some suggest involving the Convergence Center for Policy Resolution to facilitate structured dialogue. The university's president recently left for Clemson amid contention among trustees following a salary increase.
- MSU trustees continue to push back against board policy tamping down on dissent
Michigan State University Trustees Rema Vassar and Mike Balow refused to sign an updated Code of Ethics and Conduct that restricts speaking against board decisions. The university revoked their credentials to attend a conference, prompting claims of free speech violations and threats to democratic representation. The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression challenged the policy as a First Amendment violation, while the Michigan Attorney General's office declined to provide legal advice.
- Michigan State University’s director of AgBioResearch to take position at University of Arizona
George Smith, director of Michigan State University’s AgBioResearch, will become the Charles-Sander Dean at the University of Arizona’s College of Agriculture, Life & Environmental Sciences. He will depart MSU on Aug. 1 after leading research initiatives and securing over $50 million in state funding for agricultural projects.
- Changes to MSU trustee code of conduct violate First Amendment, free speech group warns
A free speech group claims Michigan State University's revised board of trustees code of conduct violates the First Amendment by restricting trustees' speech and criticism of institutional decisions. The university defended the changes, citing legal review and similar standards at other institutions, while two trustees who refused to sign the updated code lost conference credentials.
- What’s next for Gretchen Whitmer?
Gretchen Whitmer, Michigan's governor, has declined interest in becoming president of Michigan State University, despite being pushed for the role. Both Michigan State University and the University of Michigan are seeking new leaders, with former Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan also being considered for the latter. Whitmer remains noncommittal about her future political plans, including a potential 2028 presidential run.
- Former UNC chancellor Guskiewicz named Clemson’s new president
Clemson University appointed Kevin Guskiewicz as its 16th president, selecting him from Michigan State University where he has been president since March 2024. The board approved a $1.2 million salary for Guskiewicz, with payments split between taxpayer funds and Clemson’s private foundation, and his contract includes additional financial benefits.
- MSU President leaving for Clemson amid contention among trustees, just after salary increase
Michigan State University President Kevin Guskiewicz is leaving to become Clemson University’s 16th president, days after his MSU contract was extended through 2031 with a doubled salary. His departure occurs amid contentious changes to MSU’s Board of Trustees code of conduct, which now includes sanctions for dissenting voices.
- Suspect arrested for allegedly running meth lab at Michigan State University’s largest academic building
Xin Tong, 31, was arrested for allegedly running a meth lab at Michigan State University’s Wells Hall, leading to felony charges and significant property damage. MSU confirmed no meth lab was found inside the building, but Tong was in possession of chemicals used in meth production.
- Researchers have spent decades breeding better potatoes for chips, and their work isn’t done
Researchers led by David Douches at Michigan State University have developed improved potato varieties for chips, including a bioengineered strain that maintains sugar balance in cold storage. The National Chip Program collaborates with universities and companies like Better Made Snack Foods to breed disease-resistant potatoes, supporting both U.S. chip production and global food security in countries like Nigeria and Kenya.
- At MSU, Abdul El-Sayed bets Hasan Piker can help bring the online left into the tent
Michigan Democrat Abdul El-Sayed collaborated with internet personality Hasan Piker at Michigan State University, prompting criticism from fellow Democrats over potential risks to Jewish voter relations and the party's November election prospects.
- Michigan Senate candidate El-Sayed declines to disavow Hasan Piker’s past comments
Michigan Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed refused to disavow Hasan Piker's controversial past comments, defending the far-left streamer's role in the Democratic Party despite criticism from fellow Democrats and Republicans. El-Sayed criticized efforts to 'pin' Piker's remarks to him, calling it a 'gotcha game,' while Piker downplayed attacks from Democratic groups like Third Way.