School of Planning, Design and Construction at Michigan State University

SPDC is excited to welcome new undergraduate academic advisor, Samantha Sliwa, to our school!

Samantha has proudly worked at MSU since 2018, previously advising for the Broad College of Business and the Department of Psychology.

Already a Spartan, Samantha is now a Spartan BUILT TO LEAD.

We are happy to welcome her and excited for another excellent year!

Learn more about Samantha at: https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/new-academic-advisor-joins-spdc-1

SPDC has been selected to receive a 2026-27 Creating Inclusive Excellence Grant (CIEG)!

With this generous funding, the SPDC Culture, Access and Belonging (CAB) Committee will host a series of events designed to create space for all students, faculty and staff to learn and practice inclusive behaviors and skills.

These activities will also set the stage for welcoming students and employees from a variety of backgrounds, and bolster effective engagement with alumni, industry partners, and community leaders!

RSVP Now for the 2026 SPDC Speaker Series!

SPDC will host a six-person panel discussion to examine the intersection of our school's four programs in the planning and ex*****on of the Hudson's Detroit development project that is reshaping the city and now hosts the global headquarters for General Motors.

This event is open to interested professional as well as as students, and attendance qualifies for CEUs from the AIA, AICP, and LA-CES, FREE OF CHARGE!

Space is limited so be sure to RSVP in advance, and we'll see you Thursday, September 10th, from 5pm to 7pm in the MSU Union, Ballroom!

The School of Planning, Design and Construction (SPDC) at Michigan State University invites applications for an open Teaching Specialist (continuing) position in the Landscape Architecture program.

The Teaching Specialist will play a key role in advancing the program's educational mission. The successful candidate will address emerging issues in landscape architecture and contribute to a curriculum that emphasizes professional education in the field.

Proficiency in teaching core courses is essential. We are especially interested in candidates whose teaching can emphasize, but is not limited to, traditional and digital communication courses, introductory landscape architecture courses, and design studios.

Minimum Requirements:
1) Either a Master’s degree in Landscape Architecture (MLA) from an accredited degree program, or an accredited Bachelor of Landscape Architecture (BLA) or accredited Bachelor of Science (BS) in Landscape Architecture degree plus a terminal Master’s degree in a related field at the start of employment.

2) Ability to teach core courses in landscape architecture.

3) A proven track record (or demonstrated potential) of teaching activities that may contribute to the interdisciplinary focus of SPDC.

To read more about this position and read the full job description included other preferred qualifications and the application process visit: https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/open-position-la-teaching-specialist-2026

Thanks to the hard work and participation of so many great volunteers, sponsors, and attendees the MSU's Construction Management program at SPDC hosted yet another exciting and successful Golf Outing!

And of course a big shout out to a certain special guest in the last few photos...

Thank you all for your generosity and support!

Go Green!

RSVP Today for the 2026 SPDC Speaker Series!

SPDC will host a six-person panel discussion to examine the intersection of our school's four programs - Construction Management, Interior Design, Landscape Architecture, and Urban & Regional Planning - in the planning and ex*****on of the Hudson's Detroit development project led by Bedrock Detroit.

Join us, September 10, 2026 from 5pm to 7pm in the MSU Union Ballroom as Katharine Merritt, teaching specialist in the URP program, moderates the panel's conversation about their work on a project that's re-shaping downtown Detroit.

This event is open to interested professional as well as as students, and attendance qualifies for CEUs from the AIA, AICP, and LA-CES, FREE OF CHARGE!

Students and guests will hear from and engage with:

Trevor Wilson - Senior Development Manager, Bedrock Detroit

James Kramek - Project Executive, Barton Malow

Michelle Kleinman - Design Architect, SHoP Architects

Stacey Tobar - Landscape Architect, Hamilton Anderson at time of project (currently Principal, OHM Advisers)

Lauren Minch - Interior Designer, Pophouse Design

Kevin Schronce - Associate Director (Design Director), City of Detroit Planning and Development Department

Space is limited and event is sure to fill quickly, so RSVP now to secure your seat!

To learn more, stay updated, and RSVP, visit: https://www.canr.msu.edu/events/2026-spdc-lecture-series

Or to RSVP immediately, visit: https://msu.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3XcOvt2JEAepZeS

Congratulations to Dr. Deyanira Nevarez Martinez on receiving a 2026 Planning Advocate Award from the Michigan Association of Planning!

Read more about Dr. Nevarez Martinez and her award at: https://associationdatabase.com/aws/MAP/pt/sd/news_article/630880/_PARENT/layout_details/false

MAP would like to recognize Dr. Deyanira Nevarez Martinez for receiving a 2026 Planning Advocate Award. Read all about her and the other award recipients here: https://associationdatabase.com/aws/MAP/pt/sp/award-nominations

Congratulations to Dr. D**g Zhao!

Zhao was recently promoted to Professor of Construction Management, and will continue to serve MSU's Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering as adjunct professor.

Congratulations to Dr. Kristy Kellom!

Kellom earned her Ph.D. during the 2026 spring semester while also teaching in the Interior Design program.

SPDC looks forward to Kellom's continued contribution to the school as Assistant Professor!

Congratulations to Marie Ruemenapp, Ph.D., outreach specialist in SPDC's Urban & Regional Planning program and MSU Extension, on receiving the 2026 National Urban Extension Leaders (NUEL) National Urban Extension Leadership Award!

Dr. Ruemenapp received the award during the National Urban Extension Conference in Detroit. NUEL recognized Ruemenapp for a distinguished career of visionary leadership and national impact that has expanded the reach, relevance, and effectiveness of Extension in metropolitan and urban communities.

"Through more than four decades of service, Ruemenapp has advanced urban Extension, strengthened community partnerships, and championed inclusive practices that have shaped Extension's work both in Michigan and across the nation."
- NUEL award announcement

Visit: https://connect.extension.org/g/nuel to learn more about NUEL.

Congratulations to Dr. Marie Ruemenapp on this well-deserved national honor!