Theatre Alum Becomes First Black and First Female Judge in State’s 32A District

When asked how her bachelor’s degree in Theatre from Michigan State University led to her current career as a judge, alumna Rebekah Coleman replied, “the courtroom is my stage.” Now, as the first Black judge and first woman to hold the position in Harper Woods, Coleman is shining on that stage.  “Becoming the first Black judge and woman to hold…

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Dean Long Named MSU Foundation Professor

In recognition of his outstanding scholarship, leadership, and service to Michigan State University, Christopher P. Long, Dean of the College of Arts & Letters, Dean of the Honors College, and Professor of Philosophy, was named an MSU Foundation Professor.  MSU Foundation Professorships are awarded to outstanding faculty who demonstrate excellence in research and teaching while enhancing the prominence of the institution. The title is…

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Alumna Accepts Fulbright English Language Teaching Assistantship in Spain

After graduating in December 2020 with dual degrees in Spanish and Arts and Humanities, alumna Emily Van Dyke-Mathews has accepted a Fulbright English Language Teaching Assistantship in Asturias, Spain, that will begin in fall 2021. During the 9-month assistantship, Van Dyke-Mathews will teach English to primary and secondary students in Spain. She also will serve as a cultural ambassador for the…

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Exhibit by Critical Race Studies Artist-in-Residence Now on Display at MSU Union Art Gallery

The exhibit, Unearthing: Magic, Mimicry, and the Mundane, by Luis Alvaro Sahagun Nuño, 2019-2020 Artist-in-Residence of Critical Race Studies, is now on display at the MSU Union Art Gallery through August 6, 2021. In addition, a special event will be held on Wednesday, June 30, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the MSU Union Art Gallery where the public is…

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MSU Linguistics Ascends Rankings as a Solid Choice for Scholarship

Michigan State University’s Linguistics program is ranked among the top places in the field for study, research, and employment by QS (Quacquarelli Symonds), a leading provider of services, analytics, and insight to the global higher education sector.   The Linguistics program offers B.A., M.A., and Ph.D. degrees and two minors. It is housed inside the Department of Linguistics, Languages, and Cultures (formerly the Department of Linguistics and Germanic, Slavic, Asian, and African Languages), which is an interdisciplinary department, with 66 faculty and about 1,200 students, that focuses…

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MSU Alumnus Honors Historic Legacy of University’s 1965-66 Football Teams

Tom Shanahan was looking for something to devote his attention to during the COVID-19 pandemic.   The pandemic took away the 1978 MSU graduate and former State News sports editor’s opportunities to write as a freelance journalist — his career for the last 12 years — so he decided to retire. Shanahan was not done writing, however. His first task in…

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Project by Critical Race Studies Artist-in-Residence Unveiled in Beal Botanical Garden

The same size and blueprint as an ADX (administrative maximum) isolation cell, A Solitary Greenhouse, now on display in Michigan State University’s Beal Botanical Garden, is a fully functioning greenhouse designed to grow seedlings for future abolitionist gardens. It is the work of artist jackie sumell as part of her 2019-2020 artist residency in Critical Race Studies in MSU’s Department of Art,…

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2021 Support Staff Awards Announced

This year’s College of Arts & Letters staff appreciation event, which recognizes the exceptional service and work of 13 outstanding members of the College’s staff, was held virtually on Friday, June 11. The highlight of this online event was the presentation of the group and individual awards. These include: Jo-Ann Vanden Bergh Award - Melissa Arthurton, Graduate Secretary for the…

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Dean Long Takes on Additional Responsibilities as Dean of the Honors College

Christopher P. Long, Dean of the College of Arts & Letters, will assume leadership responsibilities as Dean of MSU’s Honors College, effective July 1, 2021. The Honors College and the College of Arts & Letters each will retain their own status and identity as Dean Long is charged with working with faculty and staff to elevate the stature of both…

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MSU Scholars Examine Sustained Significance and Impact of Juneteenth

On Saturday, June 19, Michigan State University will host a  university-wide and in-person celebration of Juneteenth to commemorate the freeing of African American slaves in the United States. This week-long celebration includes virtual film screenings, panel discussions, and webinars that will lead up to the in-person event. A recent MSU Today podcast featured four MSU scholars who discuss the sustained significance and impact of Juneteenth, including Dr. Tamura Lomax…

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