Message from the Dean

Members of the United Nations approved eight goals to serve as the blueprint for improving the quality of life throughout the world. These Millennium Development Goals also impact Michigan State University as we work to enhance existing programs and launching new initiatives designed to raise campus and community awareness of the world around us, and strengthen the impact of our international education, research and outreach.

Our efforts are lead through the vision of MSU President, Lou Anna K. Simon, who defines our destination as a model land-grant university for the 21st century or what many on our campus know as "World Grant." International Studies and Programs (ISP) is strategically placed to help achieve these ideals, working with faculty, university administrators and staff alike to achieve this vision.

Within our programs, you can find many examples of how our researchers are collaborating with colleagues around the world to address the Millennium Development Goals: from combating hunger and promoting education to addressing gender inequality or encouraging the arts in various countries and communities.

Please visit our website at www.isp.msu.edu and explore the new and innovative programs at each of our centers that illustrate what it means to be a World Grant University.

ISP is committed to promoting international education, research and partnerships with a wide array of programs and initiatives, but we need to sustain and further advance this record of accomplishment. We ask for your engagement and support for the vital work performed by our centers and institutes, study abroad programs, international students and scholars, and other programs and initiatives. Whether it be contributions for study abroad scholarships, faculty development grants to further internationalize curricula, endowed faculty chairs in world regions, lecture series, or other purposes, your support for ISP's mission is crucial to our continued success. Please consider a gift to a specific ISP center, program, or existing fund, or to make an unrestricted gift to ISP, allowing us flexibility to embark on new initiatives and respond to pressing needs.

Whatever your decision, we thank you for your interest in our activities and for your continued support!

Jeff Riedinger
Dean