MSU Office for Inclusive Excellence and Impact

“I saw firsthand that many families faced language and systemic barriers that limited access to Extension programs,” says Paty Monterrosa. Click below to learn about Michigan 4-H, the youth development arm of MSU Extension, and Paty's work to make MSU's youth development program more accessible.
https://msutoday.msu.edu/news/2026/06/language-access-leadership-4h-sparks-impact

MSU Extension's Chispa 4-H program expands language access and builds youth leaders Chispa 4-H is breaking language barriers and empowering youth through culturally responsive education, leadership development and community partnerships across Michigan.

Did you know? Campus is home to the MSU Alumni Memorial Chapel, an interdenominational spiritual center for all faiths and religions that is dedicated to Spartans who have died while serving the United States military forces. Click below to learn more and see the chapel.

Exploring the MSU Alumni Memorial Chapel Nestled in a quiet spot along Auditorium Road, the MSU Alumni Memorial Chapel is an unassuming building that carries a deeply significant piece of Spartan history.

“In order for students to succeed, they need to feel like they belong... Everybody should feel that sense of belonging when they come to MSU.” Click below to learn how Brady is building a more inclusive campus environment for students, faculty and staff.
https://msutoday.msu.edu/news/2026/05/access-spotlight-brady-velazquez

Access Spotlight: Brady Velazquez Our May Access Spotlight is Brady Velazquez. Velazquez is a graduate of Michigan State with a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies and currently serves as Equal Opportunity Coordinator for the Office for Inclusive Excellence and Impact.

Throughout the summer, until August, the traveling Black Threads exhibit will be up on display in the Main Library's 2 East! The exhibit, provided in partnership with MSU Museum's Quilt Index, showcases quilt arts with themes of activism and resistance.

Did you know? The nation’s first community-wide prenatal and infant cash prescription program, Rx Kids, was founded and directed by MSU's Dr. Mona Hanna. Recently, a study found the program led to significant improvements in birth outcomes for infants born in Flint, Michigan. Click below to learn more about the findings and Rx Kids.

Rx Kids Cash Prescription Program Improves Flint Infant Health | MSU A new study in The Lancet Public Health confirms Flint’s Rx Kids cash prescription program significantly reduced preterm births and low birthweights, lowering NICU admissions by 29%.

"In my first year, I was overwhelmed and afraid of how I would navigate being at a Big Ten university and realize my dreams of completing my degree. However, CAMP was like a second family." Click below to hear how Adilene found community and success on campus.

Student view: Graduating takes a community First-generation student Adilene Martinez-Carmona reflects on her undergraduate journey, including the programs and mentorship that made her a model for others along the way.

Earlier this year, community members at the Indigenous Food Sovereignty Summit asked what it means to feed a people and who gets to decide. Click below to learn about the summit and how MSU works with the indigenous community to better understand priorities and opportunities for collaboration

MSU hosts first Indigenous Food Sovereignty Summit A powerful gathering brings together Tribal leaders, farmers, scholars and advocates to share knowledge, build relations and inspire action.

Graduating student Devin Johnson transferred to MSU for its accessibility. Click below to hear from Devin and follow his journey at MSU as an active community member and student with a disability.
https://msutoday.msu.edu/news/2026/05/student-view-leap-of-faith-transfer-student

Student view: A leap of faith as a transfer student Devin Johnson is a graduating Eli Broad College of Business student from Lansing, Michigan, transferring for support after an incident left him requiring wheelchair use.

The sixth annual MSU Juneteenth Commemorative Celebration is taking place across campus with a weeklong series of events, from June 15 to 19. Events will bring together students, faculty, staff, alums and community members. Click below to learn more and RSVP for events.

MSU to host Juneteenth celebration June 15-19 The weeklong celebration will feature a series of educational and community-centered events designed to engage participants through dialogue, storytelling and action.

A new national study led by MSU researcher Amber Pearson reveals a surprise: The biological benefits of nature are not experienced equally across all populations. Click below to learn more and hear from Pearson. https://msutoday.msu.edu/news/2026/05/trees-improve-health-but-not-for-everyone

Trees improve health — but not for everyone, MSU study finds A new study from Michigan State University researcher Amber Pearson found that the health benefits of tree canopy are not experienced equally across racial and socioeconomic groups in the United States.