Department of Community, Agriculture, Recreation, and Resource Studies Funding Priorities

The Department of Resource Development is in the process of joining in a strategic integration with the departments of Agriculture and Natural Resources Education and Communication Systems; Park, Recreation and Tourism Resources and the Michigan Travel, Tourism and Recreation Resource Center. The new department will align with the CANR Strategic Program Priorities and offer enhanced programs of teaching, research and extension.

The Gordon and Norma Guyer and Gary L. Seevers Endowed Chair in Natural Resource Conservation: Some of the most critical issues facing non-profit organizations involved in natural resource conservation and preservation are uncontrolled land development and use, funding, changing laws, management, and changes in science. As counties in Lower Michigan and across much of the Great Lakes States grow in excess of ten percent a year, wetlands, farmland, forests, etc., are disappearing. The Gordon and Norma Guyer and Gary L. Seevers Endowed Chair in Natural Resource Conservation will fund a new position for a faculty member whose teaching, research and outreach activities will focus on preparing the next generation of leaders to serve nonprofit organizations. This scholar will provide leadership to local, state and federal agencies and will conduct research and outreach programs related to managing our environment and natural resources in the face of urban sprawl.

Endowed Chairs in Energy Policy and Environmental Health: These faculty positions provide support for salary and related academic expenses, such as research and travel, for faculty positions at MSU. An endowed chair is the highest distinction the University may bestow on a member of its faculty. Endowed Chairs in Energy Policy and in Environmental Health would bring new and expanded expertise to the department that would positively impact our teaching and research programs. These individuals would help mentor younger faculty, and help to lead development of the programs needed five and ten years from now. This individual would help Michigan State University to respond more effectively to critical issues in energy policy and environmental health. Such positions would require funding of $1,500,000 each.

Endowed Professorship in Land Development: This endowed position would be a senior level person with extensive experience in urban settings. The individual's research, education and outreach would focus on land issues and policies.

Graduate education outreach endowment: To attract top quality graduate students in the area of environmental and natural resource nonprofit management. These individuals will be the next generation of nonprofit managers working in the field with stakeholders to build collations based on sound resource management and preservation needs.

Graduate education research endowment: To attract top quality graduate students and maintain a nationally recognized graduate research program in the area of watershed management.

Endowed community health, poverty, and food security scholarships: Funding for scholarships to allow graduate students to gain hands-on experience working in communities with health, poverty and food security issues, especially among minority stakeholders.

Endowed Fellowships in International Water Security: These fellowships would send graduate students abroad to work on water security projects in developing countries. The program would enhance the global aspects of MSU's curriculum worldwide and help in the development and testing of appropriate water technologies.

Endowed Graduate Fellowship at Earth College: Graduate fellowships recognize the noteworthy scholarly accomplishments of graduate students. Fellowships are awarded for study or research and are primarily used for tuition, fees, books, supplies, and equipment required for classes at MSU.

Scholarships and research endowments: Endowed scholarships and research funds will help to attract and retain top quality students.