Michigan State University alumna Heidi Przybyla is an award-winning investigative and television correspondent who is championing new approaches to reporting and delivering news that put the American people first. 

She is a veteran journalist who has regularly broken exclusive reporting on how White House, congressional and presidential policy impacts everyday Americans and on the state of democracy at home. Her reporting has spanned leading newspaper, digital, radio and television outlets. 

She’s appeared on CNN, PBS, NPR, CBS, ABC, FOX and across NBC News platforms.

Conversation Highlights:

(0:58) - Describe your background and career path. 

(3:14) - What attracted you to MSU, and how did your MSU experience impact you?

(6:12) - Did you always know you wanted to be a journalist? Why are you passionate about journalism?

(9:03) - Talk about the now-more-than-ever importance of journalism. What is its role in today’s world and how is the mission evolving? How would you like to see journalism evolve? What are some of the “new approaches to reporting and delivering news that put the American people first?”

(13:57) - What is the state of democracy at home? Do we need media literacy education? How does journalism need to evolve?

(18:56) – What’s your advice for today’s journalism students?

(21:51) – What do you want us to keep in mind about democracy and journalism and where it’s all going?

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Teresa K. Woodruff joined an elite group of Americans who have received two national medals of honor when President Joe Biden announced the latest recipients of the National Medal of Science on Jan. 3.  

Arati Prabhakar, director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, presented Woodruff with the medal at a ceremony at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building in Washington, D.C., on the same date.

The first person from Michigan State University to receive the National Medal of Science, Woodruff has made significant global contributions in scientific research, improvements to the scientific process and diversification of research teams. Woodruff is an MSU Foundation professor in both the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology at MSU’s College of Human Medicine and the Department of Biomedical Engineering at MSU’s College of Engineering. She was named provost of MSU in August 2020 and served as interim president of MSU from 2022-2024.  

Established in 1959 by the U.S. Congress, the National Medal of Science is the highest recognition the nation can bestow on scientists and engineers. Teresa is the first MSU faculty member to receive the recognition.  

President Barack Obama presented Woodruff with the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring in an Oval Office ceremony in 2011. It is very rare to receive two presidential honors.  

Conversation Highlights:

(1:36) - Congratulations! How does it feel?

(2:30) - You’re one of the world’s leading fertility experts, and you pioneered the science of oncofertility in 2006 that has helped thousands of cancer patients protect their reproductive futures. Talk about how your interest in this area developed and describe your research interests.

(4:43) - How is your research evolving? Findings lead to more questions, right? What is the zinc spark?

(6:37) - Teaching and mentoring are important to you. You’re an advocate for women in science and led efforts to change federal policy to mandate the use of females in fundamental National Institutes of Health research.Your students inspire you. Why is mentoring important to you and how are they helping carry on your work?

(8:57) - Why MSU? You could do this research anywhere. 

(9:57) – The burgeoning MSU Health Sciences.

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

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. 

MSU sociologist Stephanie Nawyn joins the group to discuss Michigan residents’ attitudes on immigration and refugees.

Conversation Highlights:

(2:15) – Ballard on impacts on the economy – tariffs, EV subsidies, and public health. Michigan has the busiest border crossing in North America.

(7:45) – Grossmann on the impact on politics and policy. “Most things require bipartisan cooperation.”

(9:36) – There will be unified government at the federal level and divided government at the state level.

(14:26) – Nawyn describes her findings. What did you find about attitudes toward immigration and refugees?

(16:52) – Is President-elect Trump reading the public correctly?

(17:35) – What do you make of the differing views of Christians in places like Grand Rapids?

(24:11) – Michigan has a long history of accepting and supporting refugees. “It’s not just immigrants who will suffer. Pocketbooks will be impacted.”

(26:23) – Ballard on economic impact. The biggest impact might be on the construction industry. 

(28:11) – Will the political winds ever change?

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

Michigan State University has announced the appointment of Alan Prather as director of the Beal Botanical Garden and Campus Arboretum. Prather has served as interim director since October 2021.

Morgan Butts is director of communications and marketing for University Arts and Collections.

Conversation Highlights:

(0:43) – Describe your background and scholarship.

(2:02) – Talk about the history and evolving mission of the garden. And what is rewilding?

(3:23) - Beal Scholars Internship Program

(4:47) - Red Cedar Riverbank Restoration research

(5:39) - New Botanical collection database

(6:29) - Strategic Plan/Land Use Plan 

(7:12) – What is University Arts and Collections?

(8:08) - Do you have a favorite memory of the garden?

(9:37) – What are you most excited about for 2025?

(10:48) – What would you like the campus community to know about “the interconnectedness of people, plants and place?”

(12:03) – How can people support the garden?

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

Three Spartan alumni siblings – Dave Porteous, Bill Porteous, and Ruth Porteous Hamilton – had often thought of ways they could honor their parents, who had attended Michigan State College between 1937-1942.

When the siblings learned of the project to renovate Campbell Hall into an Honors College living-learning community, they were immediately interested in helping to fund it because their parents – William and Mable Porteous – had met at Campbell Hall.

Years later, the three siblings all followed their parents’ footsteps to MSU. Now, together with their spouses and families, they have pledged $1 million to renovate the former cafeteria into what will be The Porteous Grand Hall. This new space will give future Honors College students a place to collaborate and build lasting connections, just like their parents did. (Brandi Stover & Melanie Brender)

Dave, Bill, and Ruth talk about this cool Spartan story.

Conversation Highlights:

(1:01) - Talk about mom and dad in general and the impact they had on you.

(4:13) - What motivated the gift?

(7:31) – Why is it important to give back?

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

Rebecca DeVooght is the vice president for Government Relations at MSU. 

She describes the professional journey that led her back to her alma mater. She talks about the evolving mission of the Office of Government Relations. She talks about deepening relationships with new leaders at all levels of government and how MSU can evolve to meet the needs of Michigan even better than it already does. She describes the biggest policy issues facing higher education in the next few years and how MSU is positioning itself to address them.

Conversation Highlights:

(0:23) - Can you tell us a bit about your professional journey and what led you to this role as Vice President for Government Relations at Michigan State University?

(3:11) - What does it mean to you personally and professionally to return to Michigan State in this capacity? Are there any experiences from your time as a student here that resonate with you now in your leadership role?

(4:40) - As you’ve settled into this position since August, what have been your initial priorities, and what is your long-term vision for the Government Relations office?

(7:54) - Advocacy and relationships are at the core of government relations. How do you plan to deepen MSU’s partnerships with policymakers at the local, state, and federal levels?

(11:46) - With Michigan’s recent election results, including the election of a new U.S. Senator, Elissa Slotkin, and the Michigan House of Representatives returning to Republican control, how do you see these changes affecting MSU’s policy priorities and engagement strategies?

(15:51) - What do you see as the biggest policy issues facing higher education in the next few years, and how is MSU positioning itself to address them?

(20:58) - What’s one thing you hope to accomplish during your tenure at MSU that will leave a lasting impact on the university and its government relations work?

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

Joyce deJong is the dean of the Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine. An alumna of the college, she began her appointment on Feb. 5, 2024. 

Earlier this year, she had the opportunity to deploy to North Carolina with the Disaster Mortuary Operational Response Team (DMORT) under the National Disaster Medical System (NDMS) following the devastating impact of Hurricane Helene. Her team, composed of members from across the country, gathered in Charlotte before heading out to assist with the mission. 

Conversation Highlights:

(1:08) - What is DMORT? What’s the mission? And how does your expertise fit into that mission?

(6:46) - Talk about the unique mix of emotions when such a deployment begins.

(10:22) - How long have you been volunteering like this, and why do you do it?

(15:39) - Can you describe the incredible damage you saw but also the resilience you saw in the people.

(17:45) - Talk about your desire to bring that resilience back to MSU COM and about how your experience has reaffirmed some of your values that you believe are at the heart of osteopathic medicine and what you do at MSUCOM.

(21:05) - How is it going as dean? Any surprises?

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

MSU serves all 83 counties across Michigan with programs and partnerships that support the state’s residents, bolster the economy and advance the common good. 

MSU’s outreach is extensive and supports these 83 counties with programs and partnerships that advance key industries, including agriculture and business—both big and small.

On this episode of MSU Today, Kwesi Brookins and Quentin Tyler talk about outreach, engagement and extension at Michigan State University. Brookins is vice provost for University Outreach and Engagement, and Tyler is director of MSU Extension.

Conversation Highlights:

(0:48) – The gentlemen describe their roles at MSU.

(2:48) – Why is it important that we engage with the public, and what’s the difference between outreach and extension?

(4:05) – Highlight some MSU Extension initiatives.

(6:45) – Highlight some initiatives from Outreach and Engagement.

(9:13) – What are some societal challenges and opportunities ahead?

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

As a leading global public research university, MSU generates knowledge and innovation that is crucial to grow Michigan's economy in automotive, engineering, health care and beyond, and to improve the health & well-being of our state and our citizens.

A top global public research university, MSU has built a research enterprise that reaches every part of Michigan, driving the state’s economy and contributing to a stronger, healthier present and future.

On this episode of MSU Today, three Spartan scholars explore the impact of MSU’s research on the state, country and world.

Jeff MacKeigan is senior advisor for the Office of Research and Innovation and professor in the College of Human Medicine. George Smith directs MSU AgBioResearch. John Verboncoeur is senior associate dean for research in the College of Engineering.

Conversation Highlights:

(1:11) – The gentlemen define their roles at MSU.

(2:38) – Why is conducting research important to MSU’s mission? 

(4:31) – Give us some examples of cool research happening in your area.

(9:16) – What are some of the societal challenges inspiring cutting-edge research?

(18:32) – What is the Smart Ag Initiative?

(22:10) – FRIB is a major contributor to MSU research.

(24:03) – George has another example of “transformational research” at MSU related to energy.

(29:47) – What is the Engineering and Digital Innovation Center?

(33:45) – Final thoughts on MSU research impact.

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

The presidential election is now behind us and Michigan played a crucial role in the election results. For MSU Today’s 2024 Election Spotlight Series, I’m talking with MSU researchers and experts who can discuss all things elections and politics. Each guest brings a unique perspective on research and work they are doing that relates to the 2024 election. 

To conclude this series, I’m joined by experts from MSU’s Department of Political Science to breakdown the presidential outcome and Michigan’s statewide election results. These guests include Matt Grossmann, director of MSU’s Institute for Public Policy and Social Research (IPPSR) and professor of American Politics; Nura Sediqe, assistant professor and a core faculty member in the Muslim Studies Program; and Meghan Wilson, assistant professor of American Politics. 

Conversation Highlights:

(1:03) - Tell us about your research and how it related or connected to the election?

(2:28) – Meghan asks Matt how we got here. Is there hope for a less polarized world?

(3:55) – What were you watching heading into Election Night and what is your general reaction and explanation of the outcome?

(7:40) - How did Arab Americans and Muslim voters impact results in Michigan and nationally? Is their shift to the right permanent, or will they return to the Democratic Party?

(8:58) – How did Black voters impact results in Michigan and nationally?

(11:34) – Is the gender divide real and how did it impact the election?

(12:59) - The State House will now shift back to Republican control. What could this mean for Michigan the next two years?

(14:33) -To what do we attribute the rightward turn in this election?

(17:13) – Is splitting one’s ticket a trend that’s growing?

(18:22) – Do we need to beef up civics and media literacy instruction?

(22:25) – Do you think anyone who didn’t vote the top of the ticket or who voted for a third-party candidate regrets that vote?

(25:59) – How accurate were the polls?

(29:38) – What will you be reflecting on when you think about the 2024 election?

(33:33) – Are any voters regretting their vote?

(35:35) – Did you see any backlash to liberal urban governance?

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