Named after Ernest A. Bessey, a botanist who taught at MSU from 1910-1946. He headed the botany department and served as the first dean of the Graduate School.

Hannah Administration Building

Named after John A. Hannah, the 12th president of MSU, the Administration Building (and the statue of Hannah in front of it) commemorates the expansion of the school from its small agricultural roots.

North/South Kedzie halls

Both Robert C. Kedzie and his son Frank S. Kedzie served important roles in the university’s history. The elder was the school’s first chemistry professor. His son was the eighth president of the university from 1915-1924, and worked on campus for more than 40 years.

Morrill Hall

Justin S. Morrill was a congressman who authored the bill that created land-grant colleges in the nation. It was signed into effect by Abraham Lincoln in 1862, seven years after the founding of MSU.

Olin Health Center

Richard M. Olin was the first full-time campus physician, and worked as the director of Health Service. His service as the director ended in 1938, and the health center was built in 1939.

Wells Hall

Named after Hezekiah G. Wells, who founded the college. Prior to the current Wells Hall, built in 1967, two other buildings on campus carried the Wells name. One, a dormitory, burned in 1905. The other was demolished to make way for expansions to the library.

Wharton Center

Clifton Wharton was the first black president of any major university in the nation, serving at MSU from 1970-1977. The building is named after him and his wife, Dolores, both strong supporters of the arts.