Capitol News

Michigan State University (MSU) has played a significant role in shaping higher education in the United States through its pioneering efforts and achievements. As the model for the land-grant system, MSU made practical education more accessible to Americans.

One of MSU's notable contributions is in agricultural education. The university was the first in the nation to teach scientific agriculture, establishing the Department of Horticulture in 1857. Eustace Hall, built in 1888, was the first building dedicated solely to horticulture studies.

In criminal justice education, MSU's School of Criminal Justice, founded in 1935, was the first degree-granting program of its kind in the U.S. It is recognized for its research and engagement with policymakers to advance justice.

The School of Hospitality Business at MSU was established in 1927 and is considered the original hospitality business school. It ranks among top programs nationally and boasts an extensive alumni network across various sectors.

The School of Packaging, created in 1952 within the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, is known as the largest and most comprehensive packaging school nationwide. It has awarded over 10,000 degrees.

MSU also established the first college of communication with its College of Communication Arts and Sciences opening in 1955. The college has over 56,000 alumni working across diverse fields such as journalism and public relations.

Professor William J. Beal contributed significantly to botany at MSU by helping establish a laboratory specifically for botanical research in 1880. Although destroyed by fire ten years later, it symbolized MSU’s commitment to plant science.

In atomic research, MSU launched the world’s first superconducting cyclotron — K500 — in 1982 at its National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory. This facility will soon be part of a new chip-testing center for semiconductor devices set to open by 2025.

The MSU Student Food Bank started operations in 1993 as a student-run initiative providing food assistance to peers while offering leadership opportunities.

MSU Safe Place began operations under Joanne McPherson's leadership in 1994 as an on-campus shelter supporting victims of domestic violence and stalking through various services.

Additionally, MSU Museum became Michigan’s first Smithsonian Affiliate museum, enhancing access to high-caliber exhibitions through this partnership.

Presidential milestones include Clifton R. Wharton Jr.'s election as MSU president in 1970 — making him the first African American president at any major U.S. university — and John Hannah's appointment by President Dwight D. Eisenhower as chairperson of the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights back in 1957.