Election 2022 - MSU Board of Trustees

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.

Board of Trustees to hold six presidential search input sessions throughout April

Six community listening sessions for the presidential search will be held throughout the month of April, trustees Dennis Denno and Brianna Scott shared in a press release Thursday.

Woodruff opens up about MSU shooting, response

In an interview with The State News, Woodruff opened up about her thoughts on campus security and student advocacy, thoughts on MSU’s return to in-person activities, as well as her processing of the shooting.

Survivor advocates: Release of board investigation a step in Title IX reforms

A sister survivors advocacy group said the unredacted releases of the Quinn Emanuel and Honigman reports give them hope for the new Board of Trustees. While it is a step towards transparency, the university still has a lot to do in terms of Title IX, advocates said.

Board authorizes construction of Multicultural Center, reconstruction of Farm Lane Bridge

The new Multicultural Center has been authorized for construction by the Board of Trustees, along with the reconstruction of the Farm Lane Bridge. The board also authorized the planning of Campbell Hall Renovations and a new turfgrass testing facility on campus.

Board unanimously votes to release Quinn Emanuel findings in one report

The board has instructed the firm to assemble the findings of probes into the Title IX office and the removal of Gupta into one report intended for full public release.

New Board of Trustees to hold first spring meeting on Friday

From planning a new research building to a FIFA turfgrass facility, here's what to expect at the Board of Trustees meeting this Friday.

Trust, transparency, transformative leadership: Vassar shares goals for term as board chair

As the first Black woman to serve as the MSU Board of Trustees chair, Dr. Rema Vassar hopes to use her position to empower others, rebuild trust within the board and with the Spartan community and tackle transformative issues.

'The legislative arm of Michigan State University': Dennis Denno begins trustee term

Researcher Dennis Denno won his seat on the MSU Board of Trustees in the 2022 midterm election. He said it's the only position he ever wanted to run for.

Board of Trustees authorizes chair to hire professional development consultants

This resolution authorizes newly-elected board chair Rema Vassar to negotiate and enter into an agreement with consulting services for board governance, bylaws and policy development.

Vassar elected chair of Board of Trustees, Kelly elected vice chair

Trustee Rema Vassar was elected board chair in a 5-3 vote on Wednesday. The board voted unanimously to re-appoint lone-Republican Dan Kelly to the position.

Meet MSU's newest trustee: Sandy Pierce

She has vast experience as an executive and board member, but MSU's newest trustee Sandy Pierce and her colleagues share what she really brings to the board is fresh eyes and open ears.

Two trustees sworn in, search for MSU president can commence

Their oaths and the appointment of an eighth trustee mean the board is operating with all seats filled, and the search for a permanent university president can begin. 

Huntington Bank VP Sandy Pierce appointed to MSU Board of Trustees

She will replace former trustee Pat O'Keefe who resigned in a letter to the governor's office, citing his concern about the resignation of former business school dean Sanjay Gupta.

Spartan swim and dive hopes sink at December board meeting

Budget and Finance Committee Chair Melanie Foster delivered a report on the financial possibility of reinstating the swim and dive team. The findings leave the future of swim and dive at MSU largely in question.

Ceremony to honor Lou Anna K. Simon moved to Breslin to accommodate capacity limits

Once invitations were sent out and the RSVPs came back, the event had to be moved to a larger venue to accommodate capacity limits — the Breslin Center at noon on Dec. 19. With Simon’s controversial history came pushback from student groups and survivors who became aware of this ceremony. 

MSU presidential search to start spring 2023

The board is in conversation with Isaacson Miller, an executive search firm that has been used to find deans and administrators at MSU in the past and is currently searching for a candidate to helm MSU's Office of Civil Rights and Institutional Equity.

Path to swim and dive reinstatement 'not viable,' trustees say

Budget and finance committee chair Melanie Foster cited two reasons why reinstatement would be difficult: the long-term need for a facility and the cost sharing arrangement between MSU athletics and external fundraising.

Interim president Woodruff to lead first board meeting, interim provost to be appointed

Interim president Teresa Woodruff will lead her first board meeting on Friday, Dec. 16 at 9 a.m. Here is a look at what is on the agenda.

Board to host private ceremony unveiling former president Lou Anna K. Simon's portrait

Simon will be in attendance at the ceremony. Trustee Melanie Foster said she will also be attending, while trustee Renee Knake Jefferson said she will not be present. The rest of the trustees did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Michigan State Trustee Pat O'Keefe resigns in letter to governor's office

"It is deeply important to Governor Whitmer, both as a Spartan and as governor, that students, staff, faculty, alumni, and the public have confidence in the board," Whitmer's communications director Bobby Leddy said in a statement. "That begins with having great partners and great leadership in these positions. We will begin our search to appoint someone who will stand up for those values and move the university forward."

What campaign finance filings reveal about Board of Trustees winners

Despite doing almost no campaigning after receiving party nominations, the Democratic candidates swept November's trustee election. The campaign finance filings of the candidates and current trustees reveal their win is no anomaly.

The perks behind being on the MSU Board of Trustees

While members of the Board of Trustees don't receive a salary compensation for their work, they do have access to several university benefits. From University Club membership to complimentary athletic tickets, here is a look into the perks of being a trustee.

University controversies damage student perceptions of MSU

Some students worry, since Stanley’s resignation and the surrounding problems have made national headlines, the overall reputation of the university is changing too. 

Live election updates from The State News

Election Day 2022 marks the end of a fierce campaign season that has covered dozens of issues most important to the state of Michigan — abortion rights, inflation and education, to name a few.

Everything you need to know before casting your Board of Trustees vote

Two Board of Trustees seats are up for election. Voters will be able to choose up to two candidates. Election Day is Nov. 8 and voters can cast their ballot at their local precinct. For more information on where to vote, visit the city clerk's website or an on-campus satellite voting office.

Stanley says long-term interference, dysfunctional MSU board was cause of his departure

Division between board members with eight individually strong beliefs about how MSU should run was a recipe for chaos responsible for pushing out President Stanley.

Academic Governance members call O'Keefe's comments a 'a threat and danger' to the university

Members of Academic Governance said Trustee Pat O'Keefe's Oct. 28 comments "demonstrate a threat and danger to the operations of this university."