2023 Senate Resolution 51

Whereas, Michigan’s agricultural sector is one of the top economic engines and job creators in the state of Michigan. Agriculture is one of the fastest growing sectors in the Michigan economy; and

Whereas, Michigan State University was founded as an agricultural college and continues to be an important driver for agriculture research and innovation in this state. Michigan State University’s agriculture and agriculture operations programs are ranked number one in the state, and Michigan State University was ranked as one of the top ten agriculture and forestry colleges worldwide in 2021; and

Whereas, The selection of Michigan State University’s next president will have profound implications on the future of Michigan’s agricultural sector, yet there is no direct representation of Michigan’s agricultural community on the university’s Presidential Search Committee. It is imperative that the voices of Michigan’s agricultural sector be represented on the search committee; and

Whereas, This grievous oversight must be corrected to add representation from Michigan’s agricultural community on the Michigan State University Presidential Search Committee. America’s pioneer land grant university, whose original mission was to teach agriculture, deserves no less; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate, That we urge the Michigan State University Board of Trustees to include a representative from Michigan’s agricultural community on the Presidential Search Committee; and be it further

Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the members of Michigan State University’s Board of Trustees.