Michigan State University gathered to celebrate faculty excellence and chart the road ahead during ceremonies in the Wharton Center on Sept. 29.
- The State of the University address showed how donor-funded professorships, strategic partnerships, and a refreshed plan are advancing research, student success, and outreach across Michigan and beyond.
- The Investiture for Endowed Faculty honored newly named chairs, professors, and distinguished scholars whose work is powered by philanthropy.
State of the University President Kevin Guskiewicz highlighted a year of momentum powered by record-breaking fundraising efforts and purposeful collaboration. MSU entered the new academic year with strong enrollment and nationally ranked programs, advanced key research and outreach initiatives, and refreshed its 2030 strategic plan to focus on bold action and broader impact.
Michigan State’s $4 billion comprehensive campaign, Uncommon Will, Far Better World, is fueling this progress. Every dollar goes toward people, progress and potential - advancing research, driving student success, and strengthening its outreach across Michigan and beyond.
Investiture for Endowed Faculty The celebration illustrated how endowments create the conditions for world-class teaching and research. Among the 2025 investiture honorees was: Red Cedar Distinguished Professor: Kristen Cetin, PE
Cetin is a professor and associate chair for faculty and academic staff development in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering. She is also the director of the U.S. Department of Energy Industrial Training and Assessment Center. Cetin is a licensed Professional Engineer and a LEED AP.
Learn more about Cetin and the 2025 cohort of honorees at the MSU Honored Faculty website.
Story courtesy of University Advancement.
MSU College of Engineering Media and Public Relations page