MSU maintains outreach centers, study programs and extension sites around the world. It truly is a global university that works to educate in all corners of the earth.
While programs are constantly extending at home and abroad, MSU always has been grounded by a strong central campus that provides for a consolidated community.
We at The State News believe a proposal to divide the MSU College of Human Medicine and relocate part of it to Grand Rapids will not contribute to this campus' solidarity, and will degrade the quality medical community that is constructed between the College of Osteopathic Medicine, the College of Veterinary Medicine and the College of Human Medicine.
Leaders from East Lansing, Lansing and surrounding communities gathered Monday to discuss the possible move with university and state officials. Some members of the group agreed the medical school potentially could be divided, creating a Grand Rapids campus that mainly would cater to first- and second-year medical students.
It certainly would be beneficial to the Grand Rapids area to gain a reputed medical school, but if that means MSU must lose half of its program, then the move is unjustified. Part of MSU's integrity comes from its dedication to both undergraduate and graduate programs. It is important for those programs to have a strong connection with the heart of this university - its East Lansing campus. Once half of the medical program skips town, the other half could be soon to follow.
It would be more beneficial to create an extension program in Grand Rapids while maintaining the College of Human Medicine here on campus in its entirety.
It is reassuring to know that community leaders - including MSU President M. Peter McPherson, East Lansing Mayor Mark Meadows and State Sen. Virg Bernero - are addressing this possible move early on in its development. Their interest shows their concern for an issue that could, in the long run, have drastic effects on East Lansing and its surrounding areas.
We hope these leaders will continue to inform the community on this issue as they work to consider the public's views as well.
