Capitol News

President Kevin M. Guskiewicz of Michigan State University (MSU) has announced the appointment of Matt Elliott and Sanjay Gupta as co-chairs of the Green and White Council, a key initiative aimed at strengthening MSU's role in Michigan's economic development. Elliott, a former Bank of America executive, and Gupta, Dean Emeritus at Broad College of Business, will lead efforts to align the university’s resources with the state’s workforce needs.

“MSU is one of Michigan’s major economic engines and the largest producer of talent in the state,” said Guskiewicz. He emphasized that nearly two-thirds of MSU graduates remain in Michigan for their careers, a figure he hopes to increase through this council. The Green and White Council is tasked with developing initiatives that are bold, feasible, sustainable, and uniquely tailored to MSU.

The council aims to ensure that MSU continues to produce talent suited for Michigan's future workforce needs while connecting graduates with meaningful careers within the state. Guskiewicz intends for this collaboration between faculty and council members to drive innovation by linking talent with vital industry sectors.

MSU already has significant partnerships across Michigan cities such as Detroit, Grand Rapids, Lansing, Flint, Kalamazoo, and the Upper Peninsula. These collaborations have established a strong foundation which the council plans to expand upon. The university also boasts nine nationally ranked programs that provide additional opportunities for growth in areas like supply chain management and nuclear physics.

Elliott expressed his enthusiasm about his new role: “I am honored to be selected by President Guskiewicz as co-chair of the Green and White Council.” He highlighted the need for top talent in fostering innovation within Michigan companies.

Gupta shared similar sentiments: “As co-chair... I am excited to help connect Spartans’ educational journey to... skills needed in the future of work.” His experience includes reimagining curricula around digital transformation during his tenure as dean at Broad College.

With an annual statewide economic impact estimated at $6.81 billion, MSU plays a crucial role in driving economic growth across Michigan. Its Innovation Center contributes significantly by helping over 150 discoveries become patented products or start-up companies each year.

MSU is recognized as one of America's leading institutions for Agriculture and Natural Resources education; it hosts advanced facilities like the world’s most powerful rare isotope accelerator; partners with North America's only Apple Developer Academy; and counts nearly 300 thousand alumni residing within Michigan alone.