Michigan State University Trustees

Michigan State University Trustees
Eight-Year Term - Vote for Two (2)

Q1) What is the role of universities in preparing students for the job market?
Q2) What measures will you support to increase the quality of your university in spite of Statefunding cuts?
Q3) Why are you the best candidate for the position?

Melanie Foster, Republican
Raised in Flat Rock, MI. MSU Graduate with BS in Ornamental Horticulture. Took small family landscape business and developed into nation’s largest female owned and controlled landscape contracting firm. Appointed to the MSU Board of Trustees in 1991, and served two years. Appointed to the CMU Board of Trustees in 1997, where I currently serve. Other board directorships include Charter National Bank, MSU Wharton Performing Arts Center, and Artrain. Married to John Foster, three children.

1) Students need a solid academic foundation in their discipline of study, along with practical knowledge that is applicable to routine situations in their chosen career path. Students should be provided the tools for developing effective communication skills. MSU’s Study Abroad Program, which currently reaches 24% of the undergraduate population, should continue to expand. It provides students with global perspectives, and a keener appreciation for people of different races, cultures and customs.

2) Streamlining university administration in both academic and non-academic areas, with consultation from involved constituency groups. Eliminating majors that have minimal student participation. Raising tuition responsibly with a formula tied to the CPI. If the Governor truly supports her goal for a higher percentage of college graduates in MI, then she needs to provide adequate funding to meet this initiative. Recent higher education cuts have been deep and severe.

3) The duty of a trustee is to understand the purpose of the institution, and to approve the university vision, mission, key objectives and strategic plan. Hiring and supporting the president, and monitoring their performance is fundamental. There’s a need for more statesmanship on the MSU board, and less intervention in institutional affairs. My experience at CMU includes chair of the Board, co-chair of successful presidential and provost searches. I’m a proven, engaged and experienced trustee.

Randall Pittman, Republican
I have served on the MSU Board since 2002, where I currently serve as Chair of the Finance Committee. I am a graduate of MSU for my undergraduate and graduate degrees and currently serve as Chairman and CEO of a health care holding company. In addition, I serve on a number of not-for-profit boards. I am currently a member of the MSU Capital Campaign Committee. I am married and have one daughter.

1) The future of Michigan is dependent on new businesses and industries that can compete in a changing global economy. It is our responsibility as a university to educate our students not just to survive in that economy but to thrive. I believe that students are best prepared when they have an educational experience that is based on individual needs, not a cookie-cutter formula. This requires smaller class sizes for undergraduates and mentoring programs.

2) For years the answer was, obtain more funding from the state, but where are the funds going to come from? We must deliver a quality education efficiently and unnecessary costs must be cut. Also, innovation in finding new sources of funding is critical. As a result of investment return performance during my tenure as Finance Chair, $7 million of additional funds were available this year. Those funds reduce the need for additional cuts to programs.

3) In the past, Lansing insiders were the best board members because they had a greater ability to garner state funds for MSU. With shrinking state appropriations, we need a new kind of board member with different experiences and skill sets. The future jobs for our children will come from new technologies. My background in the health and biotech fields can help guide university decisions to position MSU for success both now and in the future.

Joel I. Ferguson, Democrat
I’m a lifetime resident of Michigan. I seek reelection to a third term on the MSU Board. I’m a graduate of MSU (BA) and was honorably discharged from the USMC prior to entering business. I have been an Educator and Real Estate Developer. I have owned and operated two television stations in Lansing. I’m a long standing member of the DNC and in 1967 was the first African-American elected to the Lansing City Council.

1) As MSU enters sesquicentennial of its proud history we must keep our status as a pioneer land grant university firmly before us. That land grant role was pivotal in MSU growth, established by the US Congress. It must be pivotal to our future. MSU must continue to address the availability of higher ed to Michigan youngsters. And that must involve getting out around the world. “MSU to the World” is a job market focus.

2) In the face of funding cuts, the responsible Board role must be prioritizing and innovation. If and when cuts are presented the Board has the mission to make certain the administration has it right, and the cuts are those that have the least effect on direct education. In addition, the Board must continue to explore, well in advance, innovative ways to conserve fiscal resources.

3) As I am seeking reelection to the MSU Board for a third term, I think it is fair to say I have the learning experience. Yet I feel much is left to be done to keep my alma-mater pushing ever forward. I know Michigan as a lifelong resident and proudly my diploma is from MSU. I have high-gear energy and these next years are crucial to this land grant institution.

Phil Thompson, Democrat
Phil Thompson, a 1971 graduate from MSU, is the Executive Vice-President of SEIU Local 517M, which represents 10,000 public employees throughout Michigan. Earlier this year he was elected to his second consecutive term on the SEIU International Executive Board, where he also serves on the Executive Board for the Department for Professional Employees. Phil is past chair of the Shiawassee County MSU Alumni Association and is currently a member of the MSU Labor Advisory Committee.

1) The colleges and Universities must offer “real life” career training courses as well as the academic approach. We still see too many college graduates who can read a book, but can’t write a comprehensive sentence.

2) Policies that promote a balance between academia and life learning experiences. Also, work hard as a Trustee to assure adequate funding levels.

3) I am the only candidate with 23 years of experience working with and representing working families at the bargaining table and in the Michigan Legislature. We share the same values.

Benjamin Alan Burgis, Green
Did not respond in time for publication

Crystal Van Sickle, US Taxpayers
BA in Business Administration with a minor in Accounting from Siena Heights University.

1) In addition to educating students, this should also be a primary role.

2) Quality cannot always be measured in dollars. Maintaining current mission and goals should never be compromised.

3) My desire to see that students receive an education that includes not only knowledge, experience and equally important critical thinking abilities.

Bill Hall, Libertarian
Partner and former Chair, Real Estate Services Group, Warner Norcross & Judd LLP. General Counsel, Libertarian National Committee. Former Director, Michigan Legal Foundation, Heartland Institute, Taxpayers Association of Michigan, Libertarian National Committee. Graduate, Northwestern University School of Law, JD, cum laude, Order of the Coif, 1981; Wabash College, AB, magna cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa, 1978. Married the past 19 years, with two sons, ages 16 and 8. Boy Scout leader the past 10 years.

1) MSU’s role should be to provide students with a solid education at a fair price. This means focusing resources on a limited number of educational niches where MSU and its students can excel. Teaching basic speaking, writing and technology skills. Making it possible to finish a 4-year degree in 4 years, without enormous debt. Not aggressively raising tuition and adding fees. Not wasting funds on too broad a curriculum or non-educational purposes.

2) Cutting MSU’s costs for physical plant represent one of its best opportunities to divert funds to real education. Dorms and much of the physical plant should be sold. The private sector can provide a diversity of housing at a cheaper cost, and save MSU the labor and fixed costs, and administrative energy, of being one of the largest landowners and landlords in central Michigan. MSU can lease back facilities for teaching.

3) MSU’s spending has skyrocketed out of control. The current Trustees’ response has been to dramatically increase tuition and other fees and beg higher and higher subsidies from the State and Federal governments. With the economic downturn of the past few years, these pleas are falling on deaf ears. I have the business, legal, educational and nonprofit board experience, and enthusiasm, to bring fiscal sanity to the Board. Currently, it’s sorely lacking.

Michael H. Miller, Libertarian
Did not respond in time for publication

Katherine Dern, Natural Law Party
Michigan native currently residing in Hartland Township, Katherine is 37 (born 9/27/66), married to Doug since October 2001, 3 sons - twins 15 yrs and a 5 yr. A Project Analyst at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan with political background related to project work at BCBS, secretary to Natural Law Party and supporter of Doug (NLP State Chairman, Candidate for Hartland Township Trustee and former Candidate for US Senator in 2002). Continuing education at OCC.

1) Universities are a key element to furthering or building the student’s foundation to success. A school that excels in this empowers the student with the confidence he/she will need to establish themselves in the job market and in life. The student must have the opportunity to be academically well rounded. By providing this, the University has succeeded in helping to mold a successful future.

2) I would support fund raising initiatives, a review of programs/past practice that worked and change those that did not.

3) I bring to the board a fresh un-biased outlook. As an Analyst for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan for over 18 years as a mother/wife/friend/leader, I understand the need to implement changes/support existing processes/make decisions and take all things into consideration while doing so. I would represent both the Universities interests and the students/families.

VOTE TUESDAY NOVEMBER 2, 2004