State of the State is the monthly round up of policy and research for the state of Michigan from Michigan State University’s Institute for Public Policy and Social Research (IPPSR). Matt Grossmann and Arnold Weinfeld from IPPSR are joined by economist Charley Ballard to discuss the latest in politics and the economy.

Bryan Beverly is director of the Office of K-12 Outreach in MSU’s College of Education. He and members of the team join the conversation to talk about their work on how school districts are responding to expiring COVID-19 funds.

Conversation Highlights:

(1:12) – Beverly introduces his team and describes the research.

(2:47) – Tyler Thur adds his perspective.

(6:11) – Abigail Bies adds her perspective.

(7:02) – Are districts having to cut back on programs?

(9:37) – Are there examples school districts can point to that was successful due to temporary funding?

(13:40) – Closing thoughts

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In a bold demonstration of philanthropic leadership and long-standing commitment to Michigan State University, the MSU Research Foundation has designated $75 million over the next eight years to support the university’s comprehensive campaign, Uncommon Will, Far Better World.

The nonprofit foundation’s $75 million of financial support to MSU reinforces its decades-long partnership with Michigan State University, advancing research, innovation and student success through strategic funding over the next eight years.

Conversation Highlights:

(0:39) - David Washburn is CEO of the MSU Research Foundation.

(1:52) - Randy Cowen is chair of the MSU Research Foundation board.

(2:32) - Dave, what motivated this support for MSU at this time?

(3:38) - Kevin Guskiewicz, president of Michigan State University, on the impact of this generosity.

(4:39) - Kevin sees the $75 million being used across all three campaign pillars (Talent Activated, Synergies Imagined and Futures Built).

(6:08) - What else should we know about the Uncommon Will, Far Better World campaign?

(7:00) - Randy Cowen is a graduate of Michigan State University’s College of Arts & Letters, College of Social Science, and Honors College. And he is a 2023 Distinguished Alumni Award recipient, which is among the highest awards MSU bestows on its alumni. He demonstrates a continued commitment to MSU by investing in the Physics and Astronomy Department through endowments. The Jerry Cowen Endowed Chair in Experimental Physics honors the memory of Cowen’s father, Professor Jerry Cowen, who was a distinguished researcher in the MSU Physics and Astronomy Department for more than five decades.

Michigan State University formally launched the Uncommon Will, Far Better World campaign on March 9, 2025. With a $4 billion goal, it is the largest campaign in the university’s history and aims to accelerate discoveries, expand access to education, and create the infrastructure needed to empower Spartans to lead in every field.

For more, visit president dot msu dot edu and/or msu foundation dot org.

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New Michigan State University Vice President and Director of Intercollegiate Athletics J Batt was introduced to Spartan Nation at an introductory press conference on June 4 in the Greg and Dawn Williams Lobby of the Tom Izzo Football Building on the MSU campus.

Conversation Highlights:

(0:00) – Opening remarks from President Guskiewicz

(3:11) – President Guskiewicz introduces Tom Izzo.

(8:22) – President Guskiewicz continues his remarks.

(12:45) – President Guskiewicz introduces J Batt.

Related Content: Meet new MSU Spartans Athletic Director J Batt

Questions from the media for Kevin and J

(20:16) – “Challenges are not a responsibility. They’re a privilege.”

(21:05) – How do you enhance MSU’s role within the Big Ten?

(21:50) – How important is it to you to learn MSU’s history?

(22:52) – What’s the role for non-revenue sports in today’s landscape?

(23:31) – Did you talk to Nick Saban about MSU?

(24:13) – How much can you change quickly, and how much needs to change? And what about NIL?

(25:45) – What traits of J’s stood out to you?

(27:32) – What is J’s rocket fuel?

(28:49) – Did J do something that convinced you to hire him?

(30:28) – How can you best help football?

(31:18) - What do you look for in the people you hire?

(32:05) – How important was it for you to hire someone with sitting athletic director experience?

(33:40) – Talk about the importance of alignment in an athletic department.

Listen to “MSU Today with Russ White” on the radio and through Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your shows.