Capitol News

During its initial public meeting of 2025, the Michigan State University (MSU) Board of Trustees was briefed on advancements in pancreatic cancer research. Jennifer Klomp from the MSU College of Human Medicine and Howard Crawford from Henry Ford Health and the MSU College of Human Medicine presented their collaborative work. This research is part of the partnership between Henry Ford Health and Michigan State University Health Sciences aimed at improving health outcomes.

Klomp and Crawford, along with other researchers, are examining genetic indicators crucial to cellular communication through chemical signals. Understanding these behaviors in pancreatic cancer cells could lead to new pharmaceutical developments and potential cures. "When I started as a pancreatic cancer researcher in 2017, the goal was to get five-year survival rates into double digits," Klomp stated. "Now we’re at 13%, and I think that number is going to increase significantly, very quickly."

The trustees also heard from Patrick Forystek, Director of MSU’s Student Veterans Resource Center (SVRC). Opened in January 2015, the SVRC supports over 2,400 military-connected students at MSU, including more than 2,000 military dependents and over 800 GI Bill users. Programs like Peer Advisors for Veteran Education and PsychArmor help Spartan veterans build community and succeed at Michigan State.

Renovations will soon commence on part of Spartan Stadium housing University Advancement offices. The trustees authorized updates to floors two and three to create multi-use spaces for alumni and donor events while consolidating operations for institutional needs.

Additionally, improvements were approved for the university's outdoor tennis courts. These enhancements include rebuilding courts and viewing areas along with constructing a support building featuring restrooms, locker rooms, team spaces, and other amenities. "The project is only possible because of Joan Secchia’s generous gift to our men’s and women’s tennis programs," said Alan Haller, MSU Vice President and Director of Athletics.

The board also approved planning for Farm Lane road reconstruction and revisions to Board policy 304 regarding Course Courtesy Fee. Trustee assignments made by Board Chair Kelly Tebay last month will remain effective until December 31, 2025.

The next Board of Trustees meeting is scheduled for April 11, 2025.