Election 2022 - MSU Board of Trustees

MSU Board of Trustees approves new dean and natural gas facility

Friday’s Michigan State University Board of Trustees meeting saw the appointment of a new Engineering Dean and the establishment of a renewable natural gas facility. 

MSU Trustees Mike Balow and Rema Vassar censured following ethics code dispute

The Michigan State University Board moved to censure Trustees Rema Vassar and Mike Balow after not complying to the revised code of ethics and conduct. 

MSU Board approves 3.99% tuition increase, finalizes budget amid $12M deficit

At its June 12 meeting held in Benton Harbor, the Michigan State University Board of Trustees voted to raise tuition for the 2026-27 academic year by 3.99%.

MSU Trustees Rema Vassar and Mike Balow to be censured

The Michigan State Board of Trustees is moving to censure trustees Mike Balow, R-Plymouth, and Rema Vassar, D-Detroit, following their refusal to comply with the board’s revised code of ethics and conduct. 

Vassar prepares legal action, alleging years of racial discrimination

Trustee Rema Vassar sent a 23 page pre-litigation demand to MSU officials hours after the board's special meeting on May 17, claiming discrimination by the university and fellow trustees who have repeatedly violated MSU board policy to attack her because she is a Black woman. 

MSU board to vote on budget, tuition rates at June meeting

The board is set to vote on the 2027 fiscal year budget, as well as tuition for the upcoming academic year.

Democrat trustee endorsement vote stands after Santana appeal is dismissed

The Michigan Democratic Party dismissed Sen. Sylvia Santana’s, D-Detroit, appeal challenging the results of the party’s MSU trustee endorsement vote.

House defeats plan to give Governor power to appoint MSU trustees

The Michigan House narrowly voted 54–52 to block a constitutional amendment that would have shifted Michigan State University, University of Michigan, and Western University governing boards from public elections to governor-appointed trustees.

Vassar, Balow air MSU board ethics code concerns at state Capitol

Michigan State University Trustees Rema Vassar and Mike Balow brought their opposition to the board's revised Code of Ethics and Conduct to the Michigan Capitol on Wednesday morning.

MSU trustees open search for interim, permanent successors to Guskiewicz

The search process begins nearly a week after Guskiewicz was elected by Clemson University's Board of Trustees to become their next president. 

Whitmer pushes for appointed university boards after passing on MSU trustee removals

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said the selection process for university governing boards should change after criticism emerged over the Michigan State University Board of Trustees' role in President Kevin Guskiewicz's departure, despite previously declining to take action against certain members of the board.

The lead-up to Kevin Guskiewicz’s departure from MSU

Just two years into his presidency at Michigan State University, Kevin Guskiewicz announced he is leaving to become president of Clemson University, citing ongoing dysfunction within MSU’s Board of Trustees. 

Vassar rejects board division claims, says Guskiewicz wanted to stay at MSU

Following Kevin Guskiewicz’s departure for Clemson University, trustee Rema Vassar defended trustees’ public criticism of Michigan State University.

After ethics showdown, two MSU trustees shut out of Mackinac conference

Michigan State University Trustee Mike Balow said the board’s decision to revoke his Mackinac Policy Conference credentials after he refused to sign the board’s new code of ethics was “vindictive,” potentially unconstitutional and created a “chilling effect” on transparency at the university.

Doubling of MSU president’s salary sparks questions about university priorities

Michigan State University trustees voted to nearly double President Kevin Guskiewicz’s salary to $2 million, prompting questions from faculty and experts.

MSU board ethics policy limits trustee dissent, ignites free speech debate

Michigan State University’s Board of Trustees has approved a revised code of ethics and conduct that requires members to sign a statement of acknowledgement and emphasizes “loyalty” to board decisions, with potential sanctions for those who refuse. 

Vassar condemns MSU ethics overhaul, compares board culture to Nassar era

“The culture that produced Larry Nassar was built brick by brick through exactly the mechanisms being ratified in this document,” trustee Rema Vassar said in reference to the revisions the MSU Board of Trustees passed Sunday. 

MSU board extends Guskiewicz contract, doubles pay amid retention concerns

Michigan State University trustees gave MSU president Kevin Guskiewicz a $1 million raise and contract extension amid fears he could leave, exposing deep divisions within the board.

MSU board to vote on ethics and conduct code revisions at special meeting

Michigan State University's Board of Trustees scheduled a rare Sunday night special meeting to discuss sweeping revisions to the board’s code of ethics and conduct that aim to restrict public dissension among its members.

Voting concerns at Democratic convention fuel audit push in tight MSU trustee race

Sen. Sylvia Santana is challenging the results of the Michigan Democratic Party convention after her campaign alleged more than 200 votes were cast remotely during the closely contested MSU trustee endorsement race.

Claims of improper voting at Democratic convention complicate tight MSU trustee race

Concerns over alleged voting violations committed at the annual Democrat State Endorsement convention may change the results of the party’s endorsement of two candidates for Michigan State University’s Board of Trustees ahead of the November elections. 

Former MSU student files $100 million lawsuit after developing cancer

A former Michigan State University student is moving forward with a $100 million lawsuit against the university for damages resulting from chemical exposure that led to her thyroid cancer diagnosis, attorneys announced on Friday.

MSU trustees approve design, construction of Feb. 13 memorial

In a unanimous vote, the MSU Board of Trustees approved plans for a permanent memorial dedicated to the victims of the Feb. 13 campus shooting. The board approved both the memorial's design and changes to the landscape to accommodate the memorial.

MSU trustees approve tentative 4.5% tuition increase, pending state cap

The Michigan State University Board of Trustees approved a 4.5% tuition increase for in-state undergraduate students on June 13, citing long-term financial challenges and federal funding cuts as key factors behind the decision.

MSU Board of Trustees appoints new provost and two college deans

Michigan State University approved three major academic appointments during its June 13 Board of Trustees meeting in Traverse City, including a new provost and deans for the College of Arts and Letters and the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

MSU trustees approve tuition hike, merger and new leadership at June 13 meeting

At its June 13 meeting held in Traverse City, the Michigan State University Board of Trustees approved a number of major leadership appointments and voted to raise tuition for the 2025-26 academic year. The trustees also backed a study that will assess the future of the aging IM West building, and heard heated public comment surrounding a controversial academic merger.

Gov. Whitmer decides not to remove Trustees Vassar and Denno

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has decided not to remove Trustees Rema Vassar and Dennis Denno after the Board of Trustees voted to refer Vassar and Denno to the governor for consideration of their removal from the board in March 2024, according to letters from the Office of the Governor.

Republican candidates leading MSU Board of Trustees race with almost all votes reported

Results are trickling in for the Michigan State University Board of Trustees race, with eight candidates vying for two open seats on MSU's governing board.

Voter guide: Who is running for MSU trustee?

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.

At public forum, MSU trustee candidates agree on priorities, vary on approach

At a public forum, the four major party candidates for MSU trustee largely agreed on their central priorities, but had some varying approaches on exactly how to solve issues at the top of students' minds.

COLUMN: Where does the line get drawn on politics in university governance?

State News columnist Jack Williams argues that problems on MSU's board are a result of the institution itself, not just individual trustees. The solution lies in constituency voting, he says.

What's happening with MSU's Board of Trustees? A timeline of the past year

Here’s a timeline of everything that brought the board to the fragile position it’s in today.

Divestment protest causes evacuation of MSU board meeting

Michigan State University trustees temporarily evacuated their meeting in Flint after a protest calling for the university to divest funds erupted.

MSU board approved increases to tuition

Michigan State University’s Board of Trustees approved increases to tuition in the 2024-2025 school year at their Friday meeting in Flint.

Trustees to vote on shortening public comment at meetings, activists say they are being silenced

The board will vote on shortening the time allotted for public comment at their meetings to 45 minutes total. Activists say the university is limiting one of their only ways to address campus leadership.

CORES, COPS vote 'no confidence' in Board of Trustees, call for board to release Nassar documents

The Council of Racial and Ethnic Students and the Council of Progressive Students voted ‘no confidence’ in the Board of Trustees, calling for the board to cease internal conflict and instead release the Nassar documents.

Gov. Whitmer considers changing how trustees are chosen after MSU board chair controversy

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said she was "alarmed" by the allegations against MSU board chair Rema Vassar and that she will be watching the Board of Trustees "closely" before taking action to remove a trustee or changing the Michigan Constitution. 

MSU trustee Scott disappointed by embattled board chair Vassar’s racial rebuttal

U.S. Senator, former Michigan governor call for board chair Vassar's removal

US Senator Debbie Stabenow has joined the calls for the removal of Michigan State University Board Chair Rema Vassar. Stabenow said Vassar should resign immediately for the sake of the university.

'Crying, lying crocodile tears': Nassar survivors skewer MSU trustees over decision to withhold documents

Survivors of sexual abuse by disgraced ex-Michigan State University doctor Larry Nassar addressed the university’s board at their meeting Friday, individually condemning each of the eight trustees and serving them with copies of an updated lawsuit. The survivors criticized the board’s April decision to continue withholding thousands of documents relating to MSU’s handling of Nassar’s abuse. 

Firearms now illegal on MSU campus, regardless of licenses

Michigan State University’s Board of Trustees voted Friday to amend the campus gun policy, ending an exception that allows visitors to legally carry firearms on campus. The revisions, which the board passed 5-2, remove that exception and add new, more specific carve-outs allowing only law enforcement to carry firearms on campus.

MSU board approves amendment allowing game-day alcohol sales

The university will be now able to apply for licenses with the state’s Liquor Control Commission.

MSU board approves increased parking fees and fines

Michigan State University’s Board of Trustees approved increasing fines incurred for violating parking rules on campus at their meeting Friday, June 16. MSU Police and Public Safety Spokesperson Dana Whyte told The State News the increase will raise funds for further physical security measures on campus.

Former MSU trustees call for Byrum’s resignation over misused tax exemption

Two former Michigan State University trustees have called for the resignation of current trustee Dianne Byrum following a news report detailing her years-long improper use of a state tax exemption. Wednesday evening, Byrum told The State News she was unaware of the wrongdoing until it was brought to her attention by The Detroit News. She said she has since “taken immediate steps” to correct any issues.

Ex-business dean expands lawsuit to include MSU board, general counsel

The suit previously named seven MSU administrators – Interim President Teresa Woodruff, former President Samuel L. Stanley Jr., Interim Provost Thomas Jeitschko, Title IX Coordinator Nicole Schmidtke, Title IX Investigator Allison Towe, Interim Associate Provost Ann Austin and university spokesperson Emily Guerrant – who Gupta alleges plotted his August 2022 removal as part of a scheme to best position Woodruff for the presidency.

MSU board refuses to release Nassar documents to attorney general

The board refused the attorney general’s request, with Chair Rema Vassar arguing that releasing the documents could "retraumatize survivors." Advocates for survivors disagree.

Students Against Gun Violence urge trustees to change MSU's gun policy

Section 18.01 of the Board of Trustees firearms ordinance allows members of the general public with valid gun permits to conceal carry in outdoor public spaces on campus. At an MSU board meeting, Students Against Gun Violence members demanded the policy's revision.

MSU board approves 7% rate increase for dorms, meal-plans

The 7% increase was brought about by rising inflation, according to the proposal.

MSU board to vote on 7% rate increase for dorms, dining plans

MSU's department of Student Life and Engagement has put forward its recommendation for dorm and dining rates in the 2023-24 academic year: a 7% increase to keep up with inflation.

Board hopes to pick president by Thanksgiving, assemble committee in coming days

MSU trustee Dennis Denno, who has been tapped to lead the search, hopes to have a job description by June, so the search firm Isaacson Miller can begin picking candidates. He said ideally, the board would announce its selection by Thanksgiving in November.