Academic Programs Catalog

Other Departments and Offices for Research and Services

University Outreach and Engagement

Dr. Kwesi Craig C. Brookins, Vice Provost

The Office of the Vice Provost for University Outreach and Engagement (UOE) supports the academic mission of the university by facilitating community-engaged scholarship, including community-engaged research and creative activities, teaching and learning, service, and commercialized activities. Keys ways that UOE supports the community-engaged work of MSU faculty, staff, students, and community include:

  • Creating and sustaining community-university partnership networks that address critical issues through reciprocal, systemic, mutually beneficial activities
  • Consulting on the design, implementation, and assessment of collaborative research and its broader impacts
  • Providing professional development and learning programs that build capacity for community engagement and scholar- ship
  • Documenting engaged scholarship across MSU and recognizing exemplary community engagement
  • Working with units to institutionalize community engagement and leading national conversations about engaged scholarship

In addition, UOE units:

  • Support over 22,000 students annually in community-engaged academic and co-curricular experiences in collaboration with the Office of Student Life and Engagement
  • Provide opportunities for the public to engage with the university through the MSU Science Festival and other public venues
  • Engage in research and learning activities focused on community and economic development and the concerns of Latino, Native American, and other marginalized communities
  • Conduct programming for gifted and talented youth and, under-resourced students, and provide information for families about MSU K-12 programs
  • Provide space and connections in Detroit, Lansing, and Flint

For more information, visit www.engage.msu.edu,  e-mail engage@msu.edu, or call 1-517-353-8977. University Outreach and Engagement is housed on the Garden Level, Kellogg Center.


 


Julian Samora Research Institute

Francisco Villarruel, Interim Director

The Julian Samora Research Institute (JSRI) generates, disseminates, and applies knowledge to serve the needs of Latino communities in the Midwest and the United States.  To achieve its mission, the JSRI:  1) serves as the hub of an interdisciplinary research program on social, cultural, health and economic issues confronting Latino populations and communities;  2) advances Latino scholarship by encouraging and supporting Latino-focused faculty and students to conduct research and engage in mentoring, research assistantships, fellowships, symposia and related activities; and 3) transmits and disseminates knowledge and research findings to various academic, government, community and private institutions and officials.

In addition, JSRI provides technical expertise to the broader community on policy development issues facing Latinos, and promotes the development of Latino cultural and human capital through leadership development, community empowerment, and education.  Through the generation, transmission and application of knowledge, JSRI is committed to transforming lives.  By engaging Latino-focused researchers, agencies, practitioners, policymakers and Latino communities in collaborative learning, community-based projects, and responsive engagement, JSRI joins University Outreach and Engagement and the larger university community in contributing to the advancement of the larger society – both locally and globally.

For more information, visit https://jsri.msu.edu, e-mail jsamorai@msu.edu, or call 1-517-432-1317. JSRI is housed on the Garden Level, Kellogg Center.


Center for Community and Economic Development

Rex LaMore, Director

The Center for Community and Economic Development is committed to creating, applying, and disseminating valued knowledge through responsive engagement, strategic partnerships, and collaborative learning. We are dedicated to co-creating sustainable prosperity and equitable economies with communities.

Since its establishment in downtown Lansing, Michigan, in 1969, CCED, in partnership with public and private organizations, has developed and conducted numerous innovative programs that address local concerns while building the capacity of students, scholars and communities to address future challenges. Student, faculty, and community involvement is a crucial element of the CCED's mission. The CCED focuses its resources on the unique challenges of distressed communities throughout the state of Michigan.

In carrying out the mission of the CCED we:

  • Create and support an innovative learning environment for collaborative learning in community and economic development
  • Provide training and direct assistance designed to increase the capabilities of community-based organizations, private enterprises and public institutions
  • Conduct research that assists in the development and implementation of effective problem-solving strategies
  • Provide a multidisciplinary capacity to respond to the complex, interrelated issues of distressed communities
  • Promote and expand MSU's capacity to provide needed training, direct assistance, and research to address the issues of communities
For more information, visit https://ced.msu.edu, email ced@msu.edu, or call 1-517-353-9555. CCED is housed at 1615 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing, MI.
 

Native American Institute

Kevin Leonard, Interim Director

The Native American Institute (NAI) was founded in October 1981 with the mission to help Tribal Nations, Native communities, Indigenous organizations, businesses, and Native partners on and off campus plan and prepare to meet the current and future needs of their communities. Through this time period, Michigan tribes achieved significant advances in their community and economic development. The NAI has worked to provide assistance and add value to these community development efforts wherever and whenever possible.

NAI supports campus and community collaboration and provides opportunities for faculty, staff, students and the public to learn about issues facing American Indians and Indigenous peoples. Through these efforts, NAI promotes sovereignty, self-determination, preservation of Anishinaabeg culture and language, traditional knowledge, capacity building, leadership and well-being as defined by Tribal Nations and Indigenous partners across the state. In alignment with our mission and core values, the NAI supports collaborative scholarship and programming for Tribal Nations, Native communities, Indigenous organizations, businesses, and Native partners on and off campus.

For more information, visit https://nai.msu.edu, email nai@msu.edu, or call 1-517-353-6632. NAI is housed on the Garden Level, Kellogg Center.