Capitol News

Michigan State University (MSU) has been acknowledged as one of the top 10 large colleges and universities producing the most Peace Corps volunteers. This recognition highlights MSU's commitment to fostering a global perspective among its students. Since the founding of the Peace Corps in 1961, over 2,000 MSU alumni have volunteered abroad, earning the university a No. 6 ranking among large volunteer-producing institutions.

Steven Hanson, vice provost and dean for International Studies and Programs at MSU, emphasized the university's dedication to encouraging students to engage with global issues. "MSU has long been committed to fostering an environment where students are encouraged to think critically and engage deeply with the world around them," he stated. "It’s inspiring to see so many Spartans making a positive impact across the globe."

To prepare students for in-person volunteering opportunities, MSU introduced a Peace Corps Prep program in fall 2021. The program aims to enhance participants' intercultural skills while integrating academic coursework with practical experience.

Peace Corps Deputy Director David White Jr., along with MSU representatives Robert Glew and Joy Campbell, highlighted the significance of this initiative during their discussion on campus.

Alumni like Jimmy Schneidewind credit their experiences at MSU for shaping their decision to join the Peace Corps. Schneidewind served in Mozambique from 2007 to 2009 and now works with Population Services International. He attributes his commitment to community service largely to his time at MSU.

Mike Lindhout, senior director for international advancement at MSU, shared how his involvement with the Peace Corps began after attending a recruitment session during his freshman year. Lindhout's career includes roles as a small business development volunteer in Nicaragua and various other positions within the organization.

Caitlin Barker, a doctoral candidate in history at MSU and former Peace Corps community health volunteer in Cameroon, also emphasized her role in connecting students with meaningful global experiences through her work as a campus recruiter.

Other alumni such as Kyle Enger have utilized their Peace Corps experience to advance careers in public health. Enger served as a rural health volunteer in Morocco from 1997 to 2000 and currently works as an analytics consultant.

Vorice Patterson, who recently graduated with a master's degree in public health from MSU, has been invited to serve as a Peace Corps volunteer in Guinea. She looks forward to applying her education practically during her service.

Maddi Mahar hopes to join the ranks of Spartan volunteers by serving in South Africa. Her studies at MSU included social work and Zulu language courses, which she plans to apply during her future service.

The continued involvement of Michigan State University students and alumni with the Peace Corps underscores the institution's role in developing globally minded leaders ready to tackle pressing international challenges.