Michigan State is dedicated to promoting access, opportunity, advancement and excellence for all. Building the future of Michigan, the nation and world with the talent and contributions of a broad range of individuals is a top priority. We will work to improve opportunity for all students by 2030.
Michigan State has long been an innovator and leader in advancing opportunity for all. In 1870, women enrolled for the first time in the then-named Michigan Agricultural College, and in 1904, the first known Black student graduated. During John Hannah’s long presidency, civil rights became one of MSU’s key initiatives, and Hannah served as the first chair of the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights under President Eisenhower. Michigan State’s long-standing leadership and commitment to removing barriers helped change norms and create opportunity for all.
The university’s many efforts in more recent decades have been extensive and multifaceted as it has evolved to meet the needs of an increasingly broad range of campus community members. These included creating the precursor to the Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities and extending in-state tuition to migrant students in the early 1970s, establishing the Native American Institute in the early 1980s and creating the Julian Samora Research Institute in 1989 to serve the needs of Latino communities.
MSU’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Report and Plan, developed in 2021, offered an important framework for the university’s work, extending across academic and administrative units, promoting success for all Spartans. The MSU 2030 strategic plan serves to amplify elements of this work that demonstrate our commitment to advancing access, opportunity and excellence in pursuit of a stronger university delivering more equitable outcomes.
Recruit and support the success of a broad range of students: Recruit, retain, nurture and graduate students, reducing barriers and promoting success for all
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Recruit and retain a broad range of MSU faculty able to make significant contributions toward creating solutions for the most difficult human and societal challenges facing the nation and world, addressing pressing needs in Michigan communities and helping Michigan’s economy grow
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Recruit, retain and expand career development for all staff while building a welcoming and inclusive community
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Provide a world-class academic environment for all through inclusive teaching and learning, collaborative research and service
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Increase proactive engagement with communities based on partnerships informed by shared goals and mutual learning
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