News - College of Arts & Letters

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Why This Emerging Artist Isn’t Worried About AI Replacing Human Creativity

May 8, 2026

As an emerging artist, Alex Vlasov isn’t afraid of artificial intelligence. While some futurists predict AI could replace human-created art and writing, Vlasov disagrees. “Photography didn’t replace paintings. Ever since the first photographs in 1826, paintings are still created,” Vlasov said. He further explained that human-created art will continue to provide opportunities for people to see connections, find themes, and experience the emotions conveyed through an artist’s work.

People gather in a hallway for the Day of Design. A student with pink hair explains her graphic design project displayed on the wall to an alum wearing a scarf.

AAHD / Alumni / Faculty / Graphic Design / Michigan Impact / News / Student / Student

MSU Graphic Design Students, Faculty, and Alumni Celebrate 10 Years of the BFA Program

May 7, 2026

This spring, faculty, students, and alumni celebrated 10 years of the Graphic Design Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) program at Michigan State University. The Graphic Design B.F.A. major and the minor launched in 2016 to meet MSU student interest and align with industry expectations. Before 2016, Graphic Design was a concentration within the Studio Art B.F.A. major. The Day of…

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News

Spartans Make Public Art Shine in East Lansing

May 6, 2026

On a cool afternoon in April, about a dozen Girl Scouts in Troop 30418 are crossing the street toward the alley next to the Charles Street Parking Garage in downtown East Lansing, skipping and laughing as they go. When they enter the alley, a few of them stop. Others put their hands to their mouths, eyes open wide, as they…

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Citizen Scholars / English / Graduating Senior / News / Student / Student / Study Abroad / Theatre / Women’s and Gender Studies

Citizen Scholars First to Complete Reflective Leadership Certificate

May 5, 2026

When the College of Arts & Letters’ Citizen Scholars Program at Michigan State University introduced the Undergraduate Certificate in Reflective Leadership in the Arts and Humanities in 2023, the goal was to give students a structured way to translate their study of the arts and humanities into the kind of leadership the world is asking for: thoughtful, ethical, and grounded…

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Graduating Senior / Humanities-Prelaw / News / Student / Student / Women’s and Gender Studies

Kaylin Casper Receives Top Awards for Graduating Seniors at MSU

May 4, 2026

Kaylin Casper, a graduating seniorwhose advocacy for Indigenous rights and equitable education has shaped her time at MSU, closes her undergraduate career with two of the university's most distinguished student honors, three majors, and two Bachelor of Arts degrees. Casper graduated in Spring 2026 with a B.A. in Sociology through the College of Social Science and a B.A. in Humanities-Prelaw with an additional major in Women's and Gender Studies, both through the College of Arts & Letters.

Award / News / Student / WRAC / XA

Five Students Receive Top Awards for Experience Architecture Program

May 1, 2026

The Experience Architecture (XA) program at Michigan State University has recognized five students with its top honors for 2026, including the second group of students to receive the Bill Hart-Davidson XA Leadership Award. The 2026 recipients of the Bill Hart-Davidson XA Leadership Award are Alex Guo and Maren O'Connor. The 2026 XA Outstanding Senior Award winners are Zach Anderson, TreShai Hubbard, and Charlotte Miner.

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Alumni / News

The Spartan Behind the Blockbusters: Acclaimed Film Producer Returns to MSU to Deliver 2026 Commencement Address

April 30, 2026

Bill Mechanic — you may not recognize his name, yet few filmmakers can match his level of success. The movies he has helped launch are among the biggest ever made, including Titanic, Independence Day, Braveheart, and X-Men. His blockbuster career can be traced back to Michigan State University — an unlikely starting point.

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Student / Student

Second-Generation Spartan to Carry on Family Tradition as Student Commencement Speaker

April 28, 2026

When Sloane Barlow first saw the email inviting students to apply for commencement speaker, she nearly passed it over. Who am I to speak on behalf of so many successful graduates?” she wondered as she looked ahead to graduating in Spring 2026 with dual Bachelor of Arts degrees in English and Journalism and a minor in Media Photography.

A composite of four headshots. Top left: Smiling woman with curly brown hair, wearing a mesh cardigan over a gray top. She has a nose ring and a necklace, set against a plain background. Top right: Young man in a green graduation gown and tie stands smiling in front of a tree. He wears a pink stole and yellow honors cord, conveying achievement. Bottom left: Man in a striped shirt stands beside artwork titled "M.E.L.T.T." on a gallery wall. Bright abstract painting in the background. Calm expression. Bottom right: Smiling young adult male with short hair, wearing a patterned button-up shirt against a soft blue background. Mood is friendly and welcoming.

Award / Graduating Senior / News / Student / Student

Four Graduating Seniors Honored as the 2026 Louis B. Sudler Prize Winners

April 27, 2026

Four graduating seniors were awarded this year’s Louis B. Sudler Prize, which recognizes outstanding achievement in the performing and creative arts, including fine arts, music, creative writing, theatre, and electronic/photographic arts. Presented each year by the College of Arts & Letters, recipients must be members of the senior graduating class and demonstrate outstanding achievement in the performing or creative arts and show promise for future achievement.

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Arabic / Award / Graduating Senior / News / Student / Student

From Beginner to Standout Student: Graduating Senior Recognized for Dedication to Arabic Language Studies

April 27, 2026

When William Castanier began studying Arabic at Michigan State University, he had no prior experience with the language but quickly distinguished himself through perseverance, discipline, and a deep commitment to learning. William Castanier Now graduating in Spring 2026, Castanier has earned a B.A. in Arabic and received the 2026 Outstanding Graduating Senior Award presented by MSU’s Arabic Program in the…