Former MSU Board of Trustees nominee named new MPLP co-director

Former member of the Michigan House of Representatives and Senate Tonya Schuitmaker has been named co-director of the Michigan Political Leadership Program, or MPLP.

Also a Michigan State University alumna, Schuitmaker has served on numerous boards in the state of Michigan, ranging from the State of Michigan Board of Medicine, the Van Buren Community Mental Health Board and president of the Van Buren County Bar Association.

Schuitmaker is excited to bring her knowledge and expertise to MSU students in the program.

“I’m super excited for this opportunity to really impart my knowledge in the next generation of leaders in our state that go through the MPLP program,” Schuitmaker said.

According to their website, MPLP is a 10-month program hosted at MSU that “has recruited, trained, and inspired public policy leaders, offering them the vision, commitment and skills necessary to govern effectively.”

Steve Tobocman and Schuitmaker will co-direct the program, others on the advisory board include MSU Trustee Dianne Byrum, State Rep. Debbie Dingell and multiple Michigan politicians.

The program prides itself on remaining bipartisan, Schuitmaker said.

Schuitmaker previously campaigned for the MSU Board of Trustees during the 2020 election.

“I had a wonderful time campaigning for the MSU Board of Trustees. And as a proud Spartan, I believe in giving back to my school,” Schuitmaker said. “That was not to be my time, but nonetheless, I think I can also help MSU with regards to being the co-director of the MPLP program.”

The MPLP program hosts 24 students from across the state to participate in a hands-on learning process that “... incorporates practical politics, public policy analysis and process, personal leadership development and effective governance.”

To find more information and to apply for the program, visit: https://ippsr.msu.edu/political-leadership/michigan-political-leadership-program-mplp/about-mplp

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