By Andi Anderson
Michigan State University (MSU) is continuing its commitment to serving communities across the state through its fifth Spartan Bus Tour, a three-day journey across southern Michigan. The initiative is designed to strengthen partnerships, explore regional opportunities, and deepen connections between the university and the communities it serves.
President Kevin M. Guskiewicz, Ph.D., President of Michigan State University, will join faculty members and university leaders as they visit a wide range of locations throughout the region. The tour will include stops at farms, healthcare facilities, research centers, educational institutions, businesses, cultural landmarks, and environmental projects.
Southern Michigan plays a vital role in the state's economy and is home to thousands of MSU students and alumni. The university generates billions of dollars in economic impact across Michigan and maintains strong relationships with local businesses, organizations, and communities.
Agriculture will be a major focus of the tour. Participants will visit the Southwest Michigan Research and Extension Center in Benton Harbor, where researchers and Extension specialists work with growers to improve production of specialty crops such as apples, peaches, grapes, blueberries, pears, plums, vegetables, and chestnuts. The region's climate supports a long growing season and makes it one of Michigan's leading agricultural areas.
The tour will also highlight successful partnerships with farms and food businesses. Stops include Preston Farms, which has worked with MSU Extension for more than three decades, and St. Julian Winery and Distillery, where university research has supported grape production and vineyard management improvements.
Healthcare and community development are also important themes. Visitors will learn about MSU's collaboration with Corewell Health Lakeland, which helps train future physicians and improve healthcare services in southwest Michigan. The tour will also showcase partnerships that support education, scholarships, workforce development, and community well-being.
Environmental stewardship remains another priority. Participants will visit projects focused on water quality and watershed protection, demonstrating how MSU researchers and community partners work together to safeguard valuable natural resources.
Along the route, the group will explore several historical and cultural destinations, including Michigan International Speedway, the Croswell Opera House, the James E. Bonine House, and Hidden Lake Gardens. These locations highlight the region's rich history, tourism attractions, and cultural heritage.
The Spartan Bus Tour reflects MSU's land-grant mission of making education, research, and expertise accessible to Michigan residents. By engaging directly with communities, university leaders gain a better understanding of local priorities while identifying opportunities for future collaboration.
Through agriculture, healthcare, education, environmental conservation, and economic development partnerships, the tour demonstrates how MSU continues to support growth and opportunity across southern Michigan. The initiative helps strengthen relationships, promote innovation, and ensure the university remains closely connected to the people and communities it serves.
Photo Credit: michigan-state-university-msu
Categories: Michigan, Education