Michigan State University Athletics reflects on a successful 2025 with championship wins, academic achievements, record support and funding, and ambitious plans for 2026, emphasizing community support and strategic growth.
Michigan State University's athletics director J Batt celebrates the start of the football season, highlights improvements to gameday experiences, discusses new revenue sharing and NIL opportunities for student-athletes, and emphasizes community support for Spartan athletics as they aim for top-tier success.
A former Michigan State student, LingLong Wei, filed a lawsuit claiming her thyroid cancer was caused by exposure to hazardous pesticides and herbicides during her studies, which she alleges were used without proper safety measures and training by the university. Wei, who is seeking $100 million, states she was not adequately protected and was reassured that the chemicals were harmless, leading to her health issues and a permanent scar. The university has not commented on the case.
Michigan State University has appointed J Batt, currently at Georgia Tech, as its new vice president and director of intercollegiate athletics, aiming to elevate Spartan athletics through his extensive experience and leadership in college sports.
Police have identified seven suspects in connection to an alleged anti-LGBTQ assault on two Michigan State University students at the school's main library. The suspects, who are not affiliated with the university, targeted the victims potentially due to bias against their sexual orientation. The university's officials emphasized the significance of the incident, noting that it occurred during LGBTQ Pride Month and addressing the impact of discrimination and harassment. Michigan's Attorney General highlighted the limitations of existing state law in prosecuting hate crimes based on sexual orientation or gender identity, calling for legislative action to address this issue.
On April 8, a solar eclipse will darken a large part of North America, with the path of totality being about 100 miles wide. Shannon Schmoll, director of the Abrams Planetarium at Michigan State University, explains that while most of Michigan will see a partial eclipse, a small sliver of Monroe County will be in the path of totality. It's important to use proper eye protection like eclipse glasses or make indirect viewers to safely observe the eclipse. This rare event provides a unique opportunity to witness the interaction of celestial bodies in our solar system.
Brenda Tracy, a gang rape survivor and founder of Set the Expectation, intends to sue Michigan State University, its Board of Trustees, and former head football coach Mel Tucker for a total of $75 million, citing breach of contract, Title IX violations, and invasion of privacy. Tracy filed a complaint about Tucker's sexual harassment in December 2022, leading to his firing and ban from campus. She alleges that her reputation was damaged, and her nonprofit seeks $25 million in damages, while she seeks $50 million. The university has not commented on the litigation, and it remains unclear who leaked Tracy's identity.
Brenda Tracy, a rape survivor and advocate, has filed a notice of intent to sue Michigan State University's former head football coach, Mel Tucker, and the school for $75 million over allegations of sexual harassment and mishandling of her claims. Tracy alleges that Tucker sexually harassed her and that the school failed to properly investigate her claims. She also claims that her identity was inappropriately leaked to the media, leading to threats against her and her family. Tucker denies the allegations, stating that their relationship was mutual and private. Tracy, who founded the non-profit "Set The Expectation," intends to file two separate suits for damages.
Rema Vassar resigned as chair of the Michigan State University Board of Trustees following a report alleging ethics violations, prompting the board to refer her to the governor for review and strip her of committee appointments.
Michigan State University trustees voted to censure and refer misconduct allegations against two trustees, Rema Vassar and Dennis Denno, to Governor Gretchen Whitmer for possible removal. The allegations stem from a months-long investigation that found instances of alleged misconduct, including accepting free flights and tickets, violating codes of conduct, and engaging in personal attacks. The board also voted to censure Trustee Brianna Scott for publicly alleging misconduct by Vassar. The meeting comes after a rare late-night weekend special meeting and hours before the first official day of new President Kevin Guskiewicz.
Reed Lebster, a graduate transfer, fulfilled his childhood dream of playing for Michigan State University by scoring the game-winning goal in a 5-2 victory that secured the Spartans' first Big Ten championship. Lebster's experience from winning a national championship with the University of Massachusetts proved invaluable as he showcased leadership and poise on the ice. His performance, including a crucial goal and key assists, has bolstered MSU's prospects for a successful season, with Lebster expressing confidence in the team's potential to achieve something special.
An investigation paid for by Michigan State University recommends that trustees Rema Vassar and Dennis Denno be referred to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's office for possible removal, while also suggesting that trustee Brianna Scott be considered for censure. The report found numerous instances of alleged misconduct, including accepting special benefits, violating board policies, and engaging in personal attacks. The governor's office is monitoring the situation closely, and the report also recommends steps for the university to improve governance and professional development.
An outside law firm's report recommended referring Michigan State University Board of Trustees Chair Rema Vassar and Trustee Dennis Denno to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer for possible removal from office due to violations of university policies and bylaws. The report also suggested censuring Trustee Brianna Scott for violating the board's Code of Ethics and Conduct. The report outlined instances of misconduct and recommended developing new trustee guidelines. The governor's office expressed concern over the findings and emphasized the need for a thorough review by the board.
A breakthrough study by scientists at Michigan State University has uncovered a mechanism to produce healthier and tastier potato varieties, including chips and fries, even when stored in cold conditions. The study identified a gene responsible for cold-induced sweetening (CIS) in potatoes, which leads to the formation of acrylamide, a carcinogenic compound, when cooked at high temperatures. By halting this process, the researchers aim to develop CIS-resistant potatoes that could lead to healthier and more appealing potato-based products, potentially impacting food quality and health worldwide.
Scientists at Michigan State University have discovered a gene responsible for cold-induced sweetening (CIS) in potatoes, which leads to darkening and potential health risks in cold-stored potatoes. This breakthrough could lead to the development of potato varieties that avoid acrylamide formation, resulting in healthier and tastier snacks, and addressing challenges in the billion-dollar snack food industry. The research holds promise for reducing food waste and costs, with potential implications for other processed starchy foods, and the new CIS-resistant potatoes could be commercially available in the near future.