Eight candidates are competing for two open seats on Michigan State University’s Board of Trustees this November, in an election that comes at a pivotal time in the university’s history.
MSU’s board is tasked with overseeing the president and making big-picture decisions about the university’s finances and operations. Their terms last eight years, with two seats opening up every two years. The trustees are elected in statewide partisan races, and occasionally appointed by the governor if a trustees' resignation or other circumstances result in a vacated seat during a term.
Two open seats are up for grabs: Trustee Dianne Byrum isn’t seeking a third term and Board Chair Dan Kelly, whose term is ending, wasn’t renominated by state Republicans.
Faced with relentless protests by students demanding divestment from Israel, scrutiny over its role in the Mel Tucker scandal, the lasting effects of disgraced ex-MSU doctor Larry Nassar’s abuse, and internal dysfunction, the board has often been embroiled in controversy.
In March, the board voted to ask the governor to consider removing two of its own members for violating university policies.
The decision came after an outside investigation found that Trustees Rema Vassar and Dennis Denno interfered in university investigations and lawsuits, accepted gifts from donors and encouraged students to embarrass and attack their colleagues, among other things.
The candidates are well aware of the public mistrust of the board, though some are less familiar with the specifics of what caused it. Many candidates did not read the report that suggested Gov. Gretchen Whitmer consider the removal of Vassar and Denno, and some weren’t familiar with the details of other university issues.
Of the candidates that responded to The State News’ requests for comment, all want to keep tuition low, ensure student safety and promote transparency; most are ambivalent towards divestment and none support the removal of Vassar and Denno from the board.
Rebecca Bahar-Cook
Rebecca Bahar-Cook, a Democrat and CEO of a Lansing consulting firm, says she wants to bring the board together, increase student enrollment and lower tuition rates.
