2021-2022 Academic Year Archives
Dean's note: Marching into April
April 6, 2022
I’ve been reflecting a lot lately on the horrific news out of Ukraine. I know this has personally affected some members of our community who struggle to make sense of the invasion and its brutality. We are doing our best as a community to support each other, and recently had a panel discussion about the conflict in Ukraine with Professors Garnett, Graham and Olcott. I learned a lot from their expertise, as well as the insightful questions from students.
Staff Spotlight: Emelia Hammond
March 25, 2022 - Beth Brauer and Emelia Hammond
In honor of Women's History Month, we are spotlighting members of the JMC community. Emelia Hammond is the recruitment coordinator and an academic adviser in James Madison College since August 2015.
Student view: Pursuing cross-disciplinary research in public health as an undergrad
March 25, 2022 - Zahra Ahmad
Dr. Mieka Smart in the College of Human Medicine told me about a campaign called #8cantwait that advocates for eight key police policy reforms. These reforms, when implemented, have been proven to show a decrease in police-related mortality. Dr. Smart suggested we compare police policies in the state of Michigan with the #8cantwait guidelines, and then compare them to police-related mortality statistics. This was an idea that hadn’t been explored for the entire state of Michigan.
Student view: Connected to food
March 17, 2022 - Spencer Good and Aditi Kulkarni
The Spartan Food Security Council is hard at work this year to fulfill its mission. Last semester, we began navigating the complex food security landscape at Michigan State, namely by connecting with other organizations. Professor Rashida Harrison, chairperson of the Race in the 21st Americas Conference, has entrusted us with the opportunity to showcase the keynote address centered around this year’s theme “Race and Rights: Empowering Our Communities.”
Student view: Creating a space for all
March 17, 2022 - Siham Hassan
As a survivor of the Darfur Genocide, I remember a time when I didn’t know what it was like to dream. I was 5-years old when our home was burned, and we were forced to flee our land.
How a JMC education fosters a love for learning and global awareness
March 17, 2022 - Beth Brauer
Madison gave me the opportunity to learn a lot about more about the world around me. Teaching me how to think critically and analytically about current events and history and why people live and think the way they do. We’re all shaped and molded by our experiences and the world around us and being able to recognize those differences sometimes helps us to find common ground. Those skills have served me in nearly every opportunity I’ve pursued.
DEI in action: Women's History Month
March 17, 2022
During the month of March, we celebrate Women’s History Month, noting just a few of the vast contributions of James Madison College (faculty, alumni and students). We reflect upon the contributions of Dr. Barbara Steidle, the first and only permanent woman dean of James Madison College. We also honor Dr. Katherine O’Sullivan See, who was the first female tenured professor, and helped shape JMC’s Social Relations and Policy, and Comparative Culture and Politics majors. In addition, we acknowledge Mary Kay Henry, the first woman president of Service Employees International Union (SEIU).
Student view: So many international experiences
March 11, 2022 - Ellie Lico
Since I was 10-years old, I dreamed of studying abroad. My cousin, who is an alumna of Michigan State, participated in a study abroad program that took her all around Europe and, to me, that was the coolest thing I could imagine. Learning, traveling AND creating lifelong memories… What could be better than that?
Scholar in Residence delivers first public lecture about Stephen O. Murray
March 3, 2022 - Beth Brauer
From Jan. 27-Feb. 9, Salvador Vidal-Ortiz, the Inaugural Stephen O. Murray Scholar in Residence in James Madison College, was on MSU’s campus for the first time to begin exploring the Stephen O. Murray and Keelung Hong Special Collections, housed in MSU Libraries.
Dean's note: A round of applause
March 3, 2022
As a recent transplant from Arizona, I’ve been anxious for months about the Michigan winter. After the storm that brought us a foot of snow in one day, I can safely say I’ve learned to embrace it. That doesn’t mean I’m not desperately looking forward to spring though!
Deans' message to faculty, students and staff
March 2, 2022
The countdown to spring break is upon us. And while it may not feel quite like springtime weather, the sun is shining more and most of the snow and ice is melted (for now). As you prepare to return home, travel or stay close to campus, we want to emphasize the importance of taking time for yourselves.
Four residential college students receive essay awards for inclusive excellence
March 2, 2022 - Blythe White
Four MSU students whose research and creative activity supports the ideals of inclusive excellence through topics of inclusion, diversity, marginalized populations and civil rights, have received the Martin Luther King Jr. Advancing Inclusion through Research Award.
JMC Spartans nominated for prestigious national scholarships and awards
February 28, 2022 - Beth Brauer
Ten MSU students are nominated for 12 prestigious national awards this year. Four out of 10 are students in the James Madison College.
Race in 21st Century Americas broadens scope, examines health, land usage and food sovereignty
February 25, 2022 - Beth Brauer
Michigan State University is pleased to welcome the return of a time-honored event to campus this year. Race in 21st Century Americas is a biennial event hosted by James Madison College that began in 1999 under the leadership of its founder Professor Emeritus Curtis Stokes, who retired from James Madison in 2019 after 36-years of scholarship and teaching.
Madison faculty member receives Teacher-Scholar Award
February 23, 2022 - Beth Brauer
As a young girl growing up in a Houston suburb, Amy Simon loved to play school, pretending to be the teacher. Simon no longer imagines her vocation as she’s been making an impact as both a teacher and scholar since joining Michigan State University in August 2016.
DEI in action: 'Lifting every voice'
February 16, 2022
As we celebrate Black History Month, I reflect upon and honor rich contributions that African Americans have made to the field of higher education within Michigan State University. At the institutional level, I honor Dr. Cliff Wharton, Michigan State’s first Black president, Dr. David Dickson, MSU’s first Black faculty member and William Thompson, the first known Black student to graduate from Michigan State University.
Student view: Reflecting on my time in JMC
February 14, 2022 - Emma LaRocca
JMC is a small community within a large university, and I realized that I was able to get the best of both worlds. I walked into my first MC201 lecture with all 250 of my fellow freshmen, a number of students higher than my entire grades 7-12 high school, and realized I had an opportunity to start fresh.
Faculty voice: Our continuous movement
February 8, 2022 - Rashida Harrison, Ph.D.
In 1926, Dr. Carter G. Woodson, the father of Black studies, initiated the first “Negro History Week,” which would evolve into Black History Month here in the United States in 1976. For many people, it is an important commemoration of the long-standing contributions of African Americans in this country. However, one month cannot capture the myriad of ways that Black people continue to serve, create and drive the country forward. Our continuous movement cannot occur without the historical relationships built with other ethnic and racialized communities that continue to resist white supremacy as a frame for how we live our lives.
Student view: Floating in the space between
February 8, 2022 - Myrah Rafiah Beverly
I knew Dubai for its opulent and luxurious lifestyles decorated with skyscrapers and private beaches. Women wore black niqabs for modesty but still wore the newest Versace and designer bags. Men wore headscarves like the Bedouin nomadic sand-dwellers but went home to mansions with a Rolls Royce in the driveway. As someone from more than humble beginnings in a mobile home and wearing second-hand clothing, I was afraid to touch such shimmering creations, in case it breaks or it is all a mirage.
Madison alumna pursues MPP in Erfurt, Germany
February 8, 2022 - Beth Brauer
Molly Hall graduated from JMC with a degree in international relations in 2012. Upon graduation, Hall worked in Lansing as a staffer in the Michigan Legislature and then pursued work in Washington D.C. in public affairs for six years. In 2020, Hall made the decision to return to her studies and is in her first year pursuing a master’s in public policy at the Willy Brandt School of Public Policy at the University of Erfurt in Erfurt, Germany.
Student view: A trip of a lifetime
February 4, 2022 - David Tran
Since the pandemic restricted many opportunities for me to explore the world, I was eager to find another study abroad program before I graduate this spring. Dubai was one that stood out to me the most since I’ve always wanted to learn more about the Middle Eastern realm, and it is a global city that not many have a chance to explore in their lifetime.
Dean's note: Live from Case Hall
February 3, 2022
As I sit in my office, it’s nice to hear the familiar hum of activity returning to Case Hall. I know many in our community are anxious about the return to in-person teaching, but I am happy to see everyone’s masked faces again! I am very hopeful that as the Omicron variant recedes, much of our collegiate life will return to some sense of normalcy.
Welcome back, students
January 31, 2022
As we resume in-person classes this week, we understand the potential anxiety and spectrum of emotions this may bring. The transition will require patience, consideration and an understanding that we are all dealing with the adjustment differently.
Student view: Learning to become me
January 25, 2022 - Jesus Hernandez
When I first applied to college, I felt lost. You see, I come from a family of immigrants who did not have the opportunity to pursue higher education. My parents did not know how the college application and selection process worked, so they were not able to offer me any assistance.
Student view: Transforming
January 24, 2022 - Raven Nelson
I came to MSU wanting to go to law school and, now (after many changes), I’ve decided I want to become a professor. I want to educate and engage with students in a similar way that JMC professors do.
Student view: Finding my way to Madison and beyond
January 24, 2022 - Kacey Collins
I did not discover James Madison like the typical student does during their college application journey. I had one serendipitous moment that sparked the beginning of everything.
JMC and MSU Libraries welcome Inaugural Stephen O. Murray Scholar in Residence
January 19, 2022 - Beth Brauer
2022 marks the inaugural year of the Stephen O. Murray Scholar in Residence Program at Michigan State. Salvador Vidal-Ortiz, an associate professor at American University, whose scholarship focuses on the intersectionality of race, sexuality, gender, migration and religion, is honored to be selected as the first scholar to explore the archives and raise the torch that bears Murray’s name.
Deans' message to JMC community
January 18, 2022
This weekend’s hostage standoff at Congregation Beth Israel in Colleyville, Texas was frightening and traumatic to members of our community. Each instance of violence that appears to target a specific community can send shockwaves that are felt by many — particularly those who identify with the victims closest to the tragedy.
Faculty voice: Moving the needle of justice
January 14, 2022 - Brian Johnson, Ph.D. and Beth Brauer
February 11th will mark the 57th anniversary of Dr. King’s visit to MSU. How much has changed since that day? How has Dr. King’s vision for America materialized?
MSU's Lisa Cook nominated to Federal Reserve board
January 14, 2022 - Kim Ward
MSU economist and professor Lisa D. Cook today was nominated by President Joe Biden to the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. If confirmed, Cook will be the first Black woman to serve on the on board in its 108-year history.
International relations expert and economist elected to Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago board
January 12, 2022 - Kim Ward
James Madison College's Lisa D. Cook has been elected to the board of directors of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago.
Recognize International Human Rights Day by Supporting the Work of the JMC Human Rights Lab
December 10, 2021
December 10th is International Human Rights Day. JMC celebrates this day by recognizing the work of the JMC Human Rights Lab
Matching Gift Received to Boost Support for Career Exposure Programs
December 3, 2021
JMC has launched a fundraising campaign to the Career Exposure program. Gifts made in December will be matched one to one by an anonymous donor until a $3,000 campaign challenge is met.
Giving Tuesday: JMC Career Exposure Program Campaign
November 30, 2021
JMC’s Career Exposure Programs bring current students face to face with alumni to see the potential and power of their Madison degree. Please make your most generous donation to support scholarships for students to attend a Career Exposure Program.
Hispanic Heritage Month Alumni Reflections
September 14, 2021
Jesús Arzola-Vega (IR, Economics ‘15), Kenya Sanchez Vicarte (IR '17), and David Treviño (SRP '12) provide a glimpse of their lives post-Madison and reflect on some of their fondest JMC memories.
Interview with JMC New Dean Dr. Cameron Thies
August 16, 2021
Dean Cameron Thies provides some background on himself and his vision for JMC in the coming years.
Dr. Cameron G. Thies recommended as dean of James Madison College
June 8, 2021
Michigan State University Provost Teresa K. Woodruff, Ph.D., is recommending Cameron G. Thies as the next dean of James Madison College. The appointment will be effective July 1, 2021, pending approval by the Michigan State University Board of Trustees.
Professor Louise Jezierski Receives Urban Affairs Association’s Distinguished Service Honor Roll
May 7, 2021
Professor Louise Jezierski was recently named of one of sixteen inductees into the 2021 Urban Affairs Association (UAA) Distinguished Service Honor Roll. Since 2013, UAA has awarded the Distinguished Service Honor Roll to the most impactful leaders who have contributed outstanding service to the association.