Message from the Associate Provost

Kwesi Brookins, Associate Provost for University Outreach and Engagement

Celebrating Our Scholars

As we emerge from another Michigan winter, signs of spring abound on campus—colorful flowers dot the landscape and magnolia trees are in full bloom. It is also a time to celebrate our graduates as they prepare to use the skills and knowledge they have gained here to contribute to their communities in Michigan, across the United States, and around the globe.

It has been a thrill to become part of that enterprise here at Michigan State University as associate provost for University Outreach and Engagement (UOE). Since joining UOE in January, I have seen firsthand the depth and breadth of university-community partnerships that drew me back to MSU.

I say "back" because I am a returning Spartan. I earned my doctorate in ecological/community psychology and Master of Arts in psychology from MSU. More recently, I served as vice provost for University Outreach and Engagement and director of the Center for Family and Community Engagement at North Carolina State University.

While I take pride in the work we did at NC State, what attracted me to MSU was the opportunity to lead the premiere outreach and engagement office in the nation. MSU has a reputation for its groundbreaking work in this field. I am excited about the ways that, together with our community partners, we can continue to share our vast and varied resources in ways that can positively impact the university, the state, and beyond.

We had an opportunity to showcase these efforts at our UOE Outreach and Engagement Awards Ceremony in March. Congratulations to the students, faculty, and community partners recognized for their community-engaged research, creative activity, teaching, and service.

I've also enjoyed meeting with faculty, staff, students, and administrators over these past months. It's energizing to hear about the engaged work at all levels of the university and the commitment to collaborating with others to solve real-world problems. We at UOE stand ready to support our entire university in these endeavors.

I look forward to meeting many more of you in the coming months!

Kwesi Brookins,

Associate Provost for University Outreach and Engagement