InsideMSU - Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Special Edition

Nov. 17, 2023

Our annual DEI issue!

“Michigan State University is dedicated to providing opportunity through education and building the future of Michigan and the nation with the talent and contributions of individuals from all backgrounds and communities. We will advance equity by eliminating race and ethnicity opportunity gaps across all subgroups of students by 2030.”

So starts the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion portion of MSU’s 2030 Strategic Plan. In this special “DEI” edition of InsideMSU, we provide a snapshot of the advances made during the 2022-23 academic year toward achieving this ambitious objective. We also highlight inspiring stories that illustrate how our plans and actions are translating into tangible, real-world successes.

MSU Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer Jabbar R. Bennett, Ph.D.

“MSU nurtures a community of belonging where our differences are our strength. We remain committed to increasing diversity, ensuring equity, promoting inclusion and enhancing outreach and engagement to make higher education accessible for all.”

– Jabbar R. Bennett, Ph.D., MSU vice president and chief diversity officer

Advancing DEI

MSU has designed and implemented groundbreaking programs and initiatives to achieve its DEI goals. This section provides a snapshot of progress and tools that enhance accountability and transparency in those efforts.

Animated GIF showing the DEI progress scorecard

Illustration/MSU

New DEI Scorecard tracks progress

Now it’s easier than ever to track DEI progress at MSU. The university recently launched an innovative and user-friendly scorecard that tracks 270 action items and organizational changes the university has implemented in the 2022-23 academic year. Read more

DEI strategic initiative updates

Learn about the progress MSU has accomplished with DEI initiatives in key offices:

Faculty and Academic Staff Affairs
Health Sciences
Human Resources
Infrastructure Planning and Facilities
Office of Civil Rights and Title IX

Graphic featuring the text “Project 70/60.”

Illustration/MSU

Project 70/60 honors seminal civil rights moments

In 2014, MSU established Project 60/50, a celebration of the 60th anniversary of Brown v. Board of Education and the 50th anniversary of the passing of the 1964 Civil Rights Act. A decade later, MSU recognizes the 70th and 60th landmark anniversaries prohibiting discrimination and ending school segregation. Read more

Exploring success from diversity

Progress is built on a platform of incremental successes and, today, the Spartan community is rich with stories that demonstrate how DEI initiatives contribute to student achievement and growth.

Illustration of students with backpacks walking through a building with brightly colored pillars and high ceilings.

Illustration/MSU

MSU doubles down on student success

MSU continues its commitment to develop and support programs that reduce historic opportunity gaps for first-generation, transfer and historically underrepresented student populations. Read more

Renderings of aerial and front-facing view of the new Multicultural Center, which is under construction

MSU breaks ground on first standalone multicultural center

In April, university leadership broke ground on a first-of-its-kind 34,000-square-foot multicultural center northeast of the intersection of North Shaw and Farm lanes. Construction is underway with an expected open date in fall 2024. Read story | Watch video

Assistant Director for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Florensio Hernandez

First-generation leader paves path in admissions

Florensio Hernandez, the first-ever assistant director for diversity, equity and inclusion in the Office of Admissions, attended MSU as a first-generation student from 2002 to 2006. Reflecting on his own experience, Florensio shares his goals for this new role, noting: “I’ve always been a firm believer that DEI is everyone’s responsibility, especially in recruiting diverse students. I know what it’s like to come from an area or place where education is not the priority.” Read story

MSU and U-M Army ROTC cadets run from Ann Arbor to East Lansing, Michigan, as part of Alex’s Great State Race.

Photo/MSU

ROTC cadets race for 10th year to support students with disabilities

This past October, members of the MSU and University of Michigan ROTC ran the game day football from Ann Arbor to East Lansing as part of Alex’s Great State Race, which raises awareness and support for students with disabilities. The Alex Powell Spartan Experience Leadership Endowment continues to provide resources to reduce the barriers that Spartans with disabilities face living and learning on campus. Read story

Graphic with text “Celebrating 150 Years of International Spartans”

Honoring international Spartans past and present

Sparty poses for a selfie with students.

In 1873, when MSU was still known as State Agricultural College, it welcomed the first international students to campus. As we mark the 150th anniversary of those first international students, we want to honor all international Spartans — past and present — who have helped make MSU the highly-ranked, globally engaged university it is today. Read more

Coming up: Excellence in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Awards

The Excellence in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Awards recognize the exceptional and innovative contributions of MSU students, staff and faculty in advancing DEI on campus. In February 2024, individual, team and lifetime achievement award recipients will be honored at a special ceremony. Read more | Watch 2022-23 video

DEI resources

For further exploration and support, here’s a list of invaluable resources designed to enrich your understanding and engagement in fostering a diverse, equitable and inclusive environment.

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For more news and stories, visit msu.edu/faculty-staff.

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