The MSU Benefits Open Enrollment period is here! As you review your benefit options for the 2026 plan year, please note that some voluntary benefits only allow you to enroll in, change, or cancel coverage during Open Enrollment between October 1 and 31, including:
Prudential accident insurance (NEW—Learn more below)
MetLife critical illness insurance
ARAG legal insurance
VSP vision insurance
If you want to enroll in, make changes (such as adding a dependent or switching to a different plan), or cancel your coverage for the 2026 plan year, you must do so by October 31. If you’re currently enrolled and do not make any changes, your enrollment will continue in 2026 with the exact same coverage.
Voluntary Benefits Overview
Please review a brief description of accident, critical illness, legal, and vision insurance below. For additional information on all voluntary benefits—such as plan summary brochures—review the HR webpage about voluntary benefits.
NEW for 2026: Prudential accident insurance pays a lump sum after you or a covered family member experiences a covered incident, such as a fracture or concussion. Use this money for anything you need while recovering, such as expenses not covered by your health care plan or lost income. Coverage is available with no evidence of insurability (EOI) requirement.Â
MetLife critical illness insurance gives you extra money in the event you or covered family members experience a covered illness. This money can be used to offset unexpected medical expenses or for any other use you wish. Simplified plan options are offered through MetLife with no evidence of insurability (EOI) requirement. Additional coverage options for $40,000 and $50,000 will be available starting in 2026.
ARAG legal insurance makes it affordable to get the legal help you need, such as creating a will or fighting a traffic ticket. ARAG excludes most pre-existing legal issues and business-related matters, which are defined as any legal matter that is initiated before the effective date of coverage. Network attorney fees are 100% paid-in-full for most covered matters. Choose between two plan options. Plan enhancements will be available starting in 2026.
VSP vision insurance offers two plan options for you and your family to save money on eye care and glasses. There is a standard coverage plan or a premium coverage plan with an additional enhanced eyewear option of your choice.
How to Access Voluntary Benefits
To access voluntary benefits through MSU Benefits Plus, log in to the EBS portal, select My Benefits from the top navigation, then click on the MSU Benefits Plus tile.
Please note: If you’ve already registered, you’ll be prompted to create an account using single sign-on (SSO) the first time you log in on or after July 23, 2025. Review the information on the screen and click Create Account to begin. Signing up for an account does not obligate you to enroll in any benefits; it just gives you access to learn about, review premiums, and enroll in the various programs.
How to View Current Participationor Deduction History
After you access the MSU Benefits Plus website (see instructions above), click on Benefits in the top navigation, then select Enrollments or Deductions from the dropdown menu to view your current participation or deduction history.
The MSU Benefits Plus website only provides participation status on the voluntary benefits you have enrolled in within the MSU Benefits Plus website, such as accident, auto/home, critical illness, legal, pet, and vision insurance.
In honor of Online Learning Day on September 15, we’d like to share the tools and resources available to support the career development and wellbeing of staff and faculty at MSU. The following resources and departments offer virtual learning opportunities, allowing you to learn new skills at a time, place, or pace convenient to you. Your continued dedication to lifelong learning will help MSU achieve its strategic priorities and create “a best-in-class workplace culture and a welcoming environment in which excellence and opportunity thrive.”
Online Learning Opportunities
HR’s Organization and Professional Development (OPD): Find a variety of instructor-led classes on communication, customer service, leadership, personal development, and much more! Many OPD courses are offered in a virtual format and led by our friendly and knowledgeable OPD instructors.
elevateU Online Training Platform: Are you curious about artificial intelligence? Would you like to improve your project management skills or become a more effective communicator? Whether you learn best by reading books, watching videos, engaging with interactive exercises, or participating in a live virtual learning environment, the topics available are extensive. Even if you only have a few minutes to spare, we can’t recommend this free resource highly enough as a convenient way to support your growth and development.
SpartansLearn: The MSU community’s go-to resource for technology training! Want to learn how to remove duplicates in Excel, coordinate a meeting time in Outlook for multiple participants, or make your PowerPoint presentations stand out? MSU IT offers microlearning videos, recorded courses, and more to help you learn at your own pace, along with instructor-led virtual classes.
MSU University Health and Wellbeing: Find services, programs, and initiatives designed to support your professional success, health, and wellbeing. Be sure to check out their virtual events and webinars, such as Desk Decompress, Mindfulness and Meditation, and Spartan Resilience programs.
Office of Faculty and Academic Staff Development (OFASD): OFASD works with all faculty, academic staff, and academic administrators as they join the university, establish professional trajectories, and grow in their careers at MSU. Find information and resources for orientations, leadership development, teaching and learning events, and more.
While many of the above resources are free for the Spartan community, as a reminder, educational assistance funds are available to help cover any course fees. Did we miss any resources? Let us know in the comments below, and Happy Online Learning Day!
With the MSU Benefits Open Enrollment period rapidly approaching (October 1 to 31), you may have questions about your benefit options for the 2026 plan year.
Mark your calendars and join us at the following events! We are ready to answer your questions and help you enroll in your 2026 benefit options.
MSU Benefits Fair
Visit the fair to enroll in your benefits on-site or speak with MSU benefit providers and HR staff.
When:
Benefits Fair: October 21 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.Â
Flu Shots: The MSU Health Care Pharmacy will provide flu shots from Noon to 5 p.m. by appointment only.Â
Where:Â The MSU Benefits Fair will be held at the Breslin Student Events Center. Learn more about the MSU Benefits Fair on the HR website, including how to make an appointment for your flu shot, parking information, and participating providers.Â
HR Site Labs
MSU HR will be available to answer questions and help you enroll in your benefits at the following site labs.
When and Where:
October 8  | 9 a.m. to Noon | VirtualÂ
October 10  | 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. | In-person MSU Union, 49 Abbot Road, Room UB55, East Lansing, MI 48824Â
October 13  | 2 to 5 p.m. | VirtualÂ
October 17  | 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. | In-person International Center, 427 N. Shaw Lane, Spartan Rooms B and C, East Lansing, MI 48824Â
October 23  | 7 to 10 p.m. | VirtualÂ
October 31  | 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. | In-person HR Building, 1407 S. Harrison Road, Room 125, East Lansing, MI 48823Â
October is just around the corner, which means the MSU Benefits Open Enrollment period is about to begin for benefits-eligible employees. Please use the following checklist to help guide you through Open Enrollment and be sure to make your benefit selections for the 2026 plan year between October 1 and 31, 2025.
STEP 1: Determine your benefit needs.
During Open Enrollment, you may enroll in, change, or cancel coverage in the following benefits:
Health
Dental
Flexible spending accounts (health or dependent care)
Health savings account
Life or accidental death and dismemberment insurance
Voluntary accident, critical illness, legal, or vision insurance.
Carefully review your Open Enrollment guide and choose the best benefit plans for your family. You may not change the above benefits outside of the Open Enrollment period unless you have a qualifying life event (QLE), so please review your options and take action in October.
STEP 2: Please review the updated premium threshold requirement for spouse/OEI health care coverage.
To enroll your spouse/other eligible individual (OEI) in MSU coverage, your spouse/OEI must enroll in coverage through their own current or former employer (e.g., a retiree health plan), if applicable, if the annual employee/retiree premium cost for single-person coverage is $1,850 or less. You may still cover your spouse/OEI on your MSU health coverage as a secondary plan. Â
If you and your spouse/OEI both work at MSU, the premium threshold does not apply.
New for the 2026 Plan Year: Although the premium threshold for a spouse/OEI to be enrolled in MSU health care coverage remains in effect, the affidavit you are accustomed to submitting via the EBS Portal each year is no longer required to enroll in or continue their coverage. If you currently cover a spouse/OEI on your health care plan, their coverage will automatically continue in 2026 without any action.
Please review the  Open Enrollment FAQs  for more information about this update.
STEP 3: Review important updates and reminders for the 2026 plan year.
We encourage you to review all important updates and reminders. Learn more about the highlighted updates below on  page 6 of your  Open Enrollment guide.
Please review Step 2 above for information about the updated premium threshold requirement for spouse/OEI health care coverage. If you and your spouse/OEI both work at MSU, the premium threshold requirement does not apply.
Increase to Some Health Care Copays and Deductibles: For the Blue Care Network (BCN) and BlueCard Out-of-State plans, the annual deductible will increase. Copays for doctor’s office and urgent care visits will increase for BCN, BlueCard Out-of-State, and Community Blue PPO plans. There are no changes to health care costs for the Consumer Driven Health Plan.
Increase to Some Prescription Copays: Prescription copays will increase for all medications except preferred drugs.
Introducing a New Accident Insurance Option: Accident insurance through Prudential is a new voluntary benefit option that pays you a lump sum after a covered incident, such as a fracture or concussion. You may only enroll in accident insurance in October during the Open Enrollment period unless you experience a QLE.
Introducing a New Pet Discount Plan: In addition to the existing pet insurance option offered through Nationwide, we are pleased to provide a new pet discount plan. Pet Benefit Solutions offers instant savings on pet prescriptions, products, and in-house medical services at any network vet, as well as additional benefits.
Other updates include new flexible spending account (FSA) contribution limits, increased premiums for employee life insurance and the voluntary vision premium plan, new coverage options for voluntary critical illness insurance, and plan enhancements for voluntary legal insurance. Please review all updates and reminders in your Open Enrollment guide.
STEP 4: Participate in the MSU Benefits Fair or an HR Site Lab.
MSU Benefits Fair: Join us on Tuesday,October 21, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Breslin Student Events Center on campus. MSU benefit providers and HR staff will be available to answer questions and help you enroll in your benefits on-site. Flu shot appointments are available by appointment only from Noon to 5 p.m. Find a link to make a flu shot appointment.
HR Site Labs: MSU HR will offer in-person and virtual site labs throughout October. Consider attending if you have questions about your benefit options or need assistance with enrollment. 
STEP 5: Make your changes online before October 31.
You must participate in Open Enrollment between October 1 and 31 (view enrollment instructions) to change your benefit selections.
We hope this checklist is helpful as you prepare for and participate in Open Enrollment this year. You can find all the details about Open Enrollment on the HR website, including links to the appropriate Open Enrollment guide, enrollment instructions, and detailed benefits information from our providers.
Questions? We’re happy to help! We encourage you to attend the  MSU Benefits Fair or an  HR Site Lab to ask questions. You may also contact MSU Human Resources at SolutionsCenter@hr.msu.edu or 517-353-4434 (toll-free: 800-353-4434).
As the fall semester begins, I want to take a moment to welcome you and thank you. The start of a new academic year is always a time of renewed purpose and energy—and this year, that sense of renewal feels especially important.
The past several months have been especially challenging for all of us. The financial adjustments shared by President Guskiewicz have deeply impacted many across our community. In HR, we recognize the weight of these changes and the emotions they carry. I want to acknowledge the care, compassion, and professionalism so many of you have shown as we navigated this difficult period together.
At the same time, this moment gives us space to look ahead—with optimism and determination—to how we continue supporting one another moving forward. At MSU Human Resources, our focus remains on creating an exceptional employee experience and a strong, supportive workplace culture.
In that spirit, I’m proud to share several recent milestones:
OurTuition Assistance Benefit has been enhanced to offer access upon hire and expanded credit coverage, helping employees—and their families—pursue full undergraduate degrees with fewer barriers.
We’ve also relaunched the Spartan Experience program, empowering more employees to create service-centered interactions that reflect MSU’s mission, vision and values.
Finally, we reached a new agreement with the Coalition of Labor Organizations, reinforcing our commitment to competitive, meaningful benefits and the vital partnership between HR and our union leaders.
These efforts are just a few examples of how we continue working to make MSU a place where people feel supported and inspired to grow.
Thank you for all you do to make our campus community stronger—through challenging times and promising new beginnings. I wish you a smooth and fulfilling start to the semester.
Go Green!
Donna Donovan, J.D. Interim Associate Vice President MSU Human Resources
 The Educational Assistance, or “Ed Assist,” support staff benefit resets with the start of the fall semester. Now is the perfect time to refresh your Ed Assist knowledge and take advantage of this opportunity for your learning and development. Here are a few important reminders regarding this benefit.Â
Credit and Non-Credit Options
You may receive financial assistance for credit and non-credit courses, including training, seminars, workshops, conferences, or other educational opportunities. Use this benefit to enhance your professional skill set or help you reach Performance Excellence goals.
You may receive up to 14 credits per academic year for credit courses. Your level of financial assistance is determined by your union group, whether you’re taking a graduate or undergraduate course, and where you’re taking the course (MSU or another university). The course must be considered job-related, degree-related, or career/professional development-related.
Taxation Information for Graduate-Level, Degree-Related Coursework
When using Educational Assistance funds toward graduate-level, degree-related classes for credit, it’s important to remember and plan for IRS tax exemption rules. The Internal Revenue Code (IRC) provides up to $5,250 in exemption per tax (calendar) year for graduate-level, degree-related courses reimbursed/waived through employer educational assistance programs, like the one at MSU. Any amount of the benefit over $5,250 for degree-related, graduate-level courses is considered taxable income by the IRS.
If you use Ed Assist benefits for graduate-level, degree-related courses for credit over the $5,250 exemption amount, appropriate tax withholding will be made, and the amount will be added to your gross wages. If there is a tax liability, the deductions must be completed within the same calendar year. If this tax situation applies to your Ed Assist usage, you will receive a notification via email in the fall, typically around September. This notification will indicate the amount of Educational Assistance received in the calendar year, the taxable amount, and which paycheck withdrawals will occur to cover the outstanding tax liability.
Note: This tax liability, dictated by the IRS, applies ONLY to any Ed Assist benefit usage over the $5,250 limit when applied to graduate-level, degree-related courses for credit. For example, if you received $6,250 in eligible Ed Assist benefits in a year, you would only be taxed on the $1,000 over the exemption limit and owe a percentage of that $1,000 as your tax liability.
Find detailed information about Educational Assistance – including how to apply – on the HR website. Contact Organization and Professional Development at avphr.hrdmail@msu.edu with questions.
Whether this is your first job out of school or you’ve been working for 40+ years, it’s important to make sure you’re taking advantage of every opportunity to prepare for your eventual retirement. Most benefit-eligible employees* are aware of and enrolled in the 403(b) Base Retirement Program (BRP) offered by MSU, which consists of a 5% employee contribution of your eligible compensation and a generous university matching contribution of 10% – an immediate two for one match of your investment – for a total contribution of 15%. While this provides an excellent foundation for your retirement savings, most employees will eventually want to consider additional savings options for their retirement.
In addition to the BRP, eligible employees also have the option of enrolling in two additional retirement programs: the 403(b) Supplemental Retirement Program and the 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan. Enrollment in one or both optional programs can help employees meet their retirement savings goals, making it easier for them to transition to retirement.
We’ve compiled a list of the top questions we receive as employees think about enrolling in these optional plans:
Q: Is there a minimum contribution amount required for one of the optional plans? What about a maximum amount?
A: Employees may elect any percentage contribution, as all contributions are based on a percentage of eligible pay. For example, 1.50% would be an acceptable contribution election. Employees wishing to contribute a certain amount, such as $100 per paycheck, can use the calculator to convert a dollar amount to a percentage.
Maximum contribution amounts are set by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) each year. Information on current IRS limits, including Age 50 Catch-up contributions, can be reviewed at maximizing your retirement plan contributions.
Q: Does contributing a small amount, such as $25 a month, make a difference in the long run?
A: We encourage employees to work with their financial advisors or retirement vendors for assistance in deciding how much more to contribute. You may be surprised how a small contribution over a long time can impact your retirement account balance, and you may want to take advantage of compounding earnings as you save for retirement.
Q: What are the main differences between the 403(b) Supplemental and the 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan?
A: Generally, the differences are when an individual can access the funds and the loan provisions. Also, the 403(b) Supplemental contributions must be added with the Voluntary 403(b) Base contributions when calculating the IRS maximum contributions, whereas the 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan has a separate IRS maximum limit. A more detailed comparison of the two different optional accounts can be found in the Retirement Plans Comparison chart.
Q: Can I enroll in an optional retirement plan account at any time?
A: Yes, retirement plan elections can be made at any time. This includes beginning or canceling enrollment, increasing or decreasing contribution percentages, and changing vendors. Depending on payroll schedules and deadlines, there may be a delay when contributions start or stop. For more detailed information, please visit the HR website at Enroll or Make Changes to Retirement Plans.
Father’s Day is right around the corner, and if you are still looking for a way to show the dad in your life that you care, look no further than these discounts! Whether it’s your dad, husband, father-in-law, or any other important father figure in your life, make sure to take advantage of these Father’s Day savings using MSU Benefits Plus.
To access all the discounts, visit MSU Benefits Plus and sign up for a free account using your MSU email address.
Check out some of these deals that you can find through MSU Benefits Plus:
Sports and Entertainment:
Forest Akers Golf Course – MSU employees with a valid MSU ID card receive reduced rates on playing and shopping at the two 18-hole championship layout golf courses and two full-service golf shops!
Premium Seats USA – Get 10% off sporting event tickets on Premium Seats USA using the code CORESTREAM at checkout!
Tickets at Work – Save up to 40% on movie tickets nationwide. MSU faculty and staff can also receive exclusive discounts on theme parks, attractions, events, hotels, concerts, movies, and much more.
Technology:
HP – Save up to 58% on HP computers and accessories with the HP Employee Purchase Program (EPP). You can also take advantage of instant rebates, coupons, and HP Home & Home Office sales promotions that combine with your EPP discount.
LG – Get 10% off all home appliances and electronics, and 15% off LG STUDIO and LG SIGNATURE appliances. Sign up using your MSU email address to take advantage of these exclusive discounts.
Shopping and Food:
Costco – New Executive Members receive $40 and new Gold Star Members receive $20 when joining and enrolling in auto-renewal. Use code CJPROMO at checkout.
Good Chop – Join to get $110 off high-quality American meat and seafood. Use code 65-F8C5F at checkout.
Find these savings as well as many other benefits by visiting the MSU Benefits Plus portal. Sign up or log in today and have a fun, family-filled Father’s Day.
Jake Lathrop, Assistant Director in the Office of Talent in MSU Human Resources, has been selected to serve on the College and University Professional Association for Human Resources (CUPA-HR) National Board of Directors, beginning a three-year term on July 1, 2025.
Throughout his nearly 18-year career at MSU, Lathrop has served the university across multiple key roles, including Consultant to the Chief HR Officer, Consultant to the Executive Vice President for Administration, Director of HR and Facilities in the College of Education, and HR Specialist in MSU Human Resources.
Additionally, Lathrop has served CUPA-HR in a leadership capacity for the past 10 years, with roles including President of the Michigan Chapter Board, Chair of the Midwest Region Board, and serving on CUPA-HR National Steering Committees for Learning and Development, Public Policy, and Creating Inclusive Communities. In 2018, Lathrop was named CUPA-HR’s Emerging Leader for the Midwest Region.
“As higher education navigates unprecedented challenges, our work becomes even more vital to sustaining and advancing the institutions that shape tomorrow’s leaders,” said Lathrop. “I look forward to contributing alongside such accomplished colleagues, and for this opportunity to serve and amplify the voice of HR professionals across higher education.”
This appointment highlights MSU’s continued leadership in developing forward-thinking human resources practices that strengthen higher education nationwide.
About CUPA-HR
CUPA-HR is higher ed HR, serving higher education by providing the knowledge, resources, advocacy, and connections to achieve organizational and workforce excellence. Serving more than 40,000 HR professionals and other higher education leaders at nearly 2,000 member institutions and organizations around the country and abroad, the association offers learning and professional development programs, higher education salary, benefits, and demographic data, extensive online resources, and just-in-time regulatory and legislative information.
The Jack Breslin Distinguished Staff Award honors MSU support staff members annually. Colleagues submit nominations of individuals who demonstrate the qualities of Jack Breslin, who served MSU as a student leader, honored athlete, top administrator, and steadfast advocate, personifying the “Spartan Spirit.”
Congratulations to this year’s recipients1: Melanie McNutt, Bob Rasico Jr., Sarah Reimer, Rebecca Shannon-Kortes, and Jessica Wright! These recipients display excellence in their job performance, a supportive attitude, and significant contributions to MSU. On April 14, they were honored at an awards ceremony at the Kellogg Center along with the Ruth Jameyson “Above and Beyond” and Gliozzo Clerical-Technical Recognition award recipients.
Watch a recording of the event below or on YouTube.
Melanie McNutt
Melanie McNutt, a 2025 Jack Breslin Distinguished Staff Award winner, is introduced by Jeff Magnuson, Award Selection Committee Member.
Melanie McNutt speaking during the ceremony.
(left to right) Vennie Gore, Executive Vice President for Administration, Donna Donovan, Interim Associate Vice President for Human Resources, Melanie McNutt, 2025 Jack Breslin Distinguished Staff Award Winner, Ray Gasser, Award Selection Committee Chairperson, and Jeff Magnuson, Award Selection Committee Member.
Melanie McNutt is a Training Program Developer for Digital Strategies and Services, which is a part of MSU IT that supports Student Life and Engagement, and has worked at MSU for 30 years. She serves on the leadership team that defines strategic priorities, key initiatives, and the long-term vision of technology support for the more than 6,500 employees of Student Life and Engagement. Melanie is known for her remarkable ability to build strong, positive working relationships with people at all levels of the organization and prioritizes getting to know new team members and making them feel welcome. Melanie’s colleagues had this to say about her:
“Melanie drives both efficiency and effectiveness across the division in many ways. A huge example of this is her commitment to completely equipping herself with the knowledge she needs to complete a task. She practices, rewrites, researches and anything else she needs to do to tackle a project quickly, efficiently and accurately.”
“Her colleagues appreciate her warmth, kindness, and unwavering support. Whether interacting with team members, leadership, or students, Melanie consistently fosters an environment of trust and collaboration. She shows genuine interest in people and their well-being.”
“She is a passionate advocate for integrating DEI principles into our communication and training resources, ensuring that our materials are inclusive, accessible, and reflective of the diverse community we serve.”
Bob Rasico Jr., a 2025 Jack Breslin Distinguished Staff Award winner, speaking during the awards ceremony.
Sherri Reese (left), Award Selection Committee Member, introduces Bob Rasico Jr.
(left to right) Vennie Gore, Executive Vice President for Administration, Ray Gasser, Award Selection Committee Chairperson, Sherri Reese, Award Selection Committee Member, Bob Rasico Jr., 2025 Jack Breslin Distinguished Staff Award Winner, and Donna Donovan, Interim Associate Vice President for Human Resources.
Bob Rasico Jr. is an Engineer and Architect for the Department of Chemistry and has worked at MSU for 37 years. Described by his colleagues as “the busiest person in the building,” his many responsibilities include designing, analyzing, and altering plans, prototypes, and structures to ensure the 280,000 square foot chemistry building is operating safely, efficiently, and reliably. Bob’s exceptional knowledge of the chemistry building’s operations is only matched by his dedication to ensuring a safe and functioning environment for its research and teaching facilities. Here is what his colleagues had to say:
“I do not know another person who connects as well professionally and personally as Bob does with others, even when pressured for quick and seemingly impossible solutions.”
“While his knowledge and skill of every facility and trade applicable to the building are staggering, it is his professionalism and genuine kindness that sets him apart.”
“Bob makes individuals feel heard, feel valued, and feel like their efforts are important to all of MSU Chemistry … A chance to talk with Bob allows faculty candidates to envision how their new laboratory might look and function… and see in Bob a collaborator who seeks the best for the prospective faculty member, their career, and their students. The enormous success we’ve had in faculty recruiting in MSU Chemistry … speaks to the trust that Bob engenders in faculty looking at our department from the outside.”
Sarah Reimer (left), a 2025 Jack Breslin Distinguished Staff Award winner, is introduced by Sherri Reese, Award Selection Committee Member, during the ceremony.
Sarah Reimer speaking during the awards ceremony.
(left to right) Vennie Gore, Executive Vice President for Administration, Donna Donovan, Interim Associate Vice President of Human Resources, Sherri Reese, Award Selection Committee Member, Sarah Reimer, 2025 Jack Breslin Distinguished Staff Award Winner, and Ray Gasser, Award Selection Committee Chairperson.
Sarah Reimer is the Office Manager of the W.K. Kellogg Biological Station Administrative Office and has worked at MSU for 10 ½ years. She wears many hats, including Fiscal Officer, HR Manager, Grants Administration for KBS faculty, and the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources Staff Advisory Committee Treasurer. Despite a hefty workload, her colleagues describe her as enthusiastic and supportive in helping with all types of tasks. Here is what her colleagues had to say:
“In her dynamic role at KBS she is eventually part of all projects, and this is another area where her grasp of the big picture down to the details is a tremendous value to KBS. Sarah possesses the two most important qualities in a team player: capability and a willingness to do whatever is needed.”
“I think of Sarah as a bicycle wheel’s hub to which all the spokes are connected. This is vividly apparent in our unit… that is located … so distant from MSU’s main campus. Because we are so contained in this space, we are a close community… [and] our community relies deeply on one person, Sarah.”
“She has become a central figure in many areas and her knowledge and recommendations are valued. Sarah’s willingness to take on whatever task needs to be handled, as well as finding the training and partners to learn new things, continues to serve her and KBS well.”
Rebecca Shannon-Kortes, a 2025 Jack Breslin Distinguished Staff Award Winner, is introduced by Dave Osland, Award Selection Committee Member.
Rebecca Shannon-Kortes speaking during the awards ceremony.
(left to right) Ray Gasser, Award Selection Committee Chairperson, Vennie Gore, Executive Vice President for Administration, Dave Osland, Award Selection Committee Member, Rebecca Shannon-Kortes, 2025 Jack Breslin Distinguished Staff Award Winner, and Donna Donovan, Interim Associate Vice President for Human Resources.
Rebecca Shannon-Kortes is a Data Resource Analyst for the Office of Health Sciences and has worked at MSU for 7 years. Among her many responsibilities, she is a key driver behind initiatives that support the Sustainable Health, Faculty and Staff Success, and DEI objectives within the MSU 2030 Strategic Plan. She is highly respected among her colleagues, who describe her as meticulous, innovative, welcoming, and invaluable. Due to her insight and problem-solving skills, a frequently heard phrase within the office is, “Let’s add Rebecca to this team.” Here is what her colleagues had to say:
“Rebecca exhibits a very professional method to her work and proficiency in her contributions while maintaining an approach that makes others feel valued, included, respected, and a contributor to the collective effort.”
“Six years ago, when Rebecca first joined the newly established Office of Health Sciences, we could not have anticipated the tremendous impact she would have. She consistently exceeds expectations and has become an essential driving force within our team.”
“Rebecca consistently offers to assist other colleagues or take on new assignments when we discuss new challenges… Often with limited direction, she always delivers a high-quality product and turns it around quickly and always by the deadline.”
Jessica Wright, a 2025 Jack Breslin Distinguished Staff Award Winner, is introduced by John Garcia, Award Selection Committee Member.
Jessica Wright speaking during the ceremony.
(left to right) Vennie Gore, Executive Vice President for Administration, Donna Donovan, Interim Associate Vice President for Human Resources, Ray Gasser, Award Selection Committee Chairperson, John Garcia, Award Selection Committee Member, and Jessica Wright, 2025 Jack Breslin Distinguished Staff Award Winner.
Jessica Wright is the Consortium Coordinator for the Department of Horticulture and has worked at MSU for 21 years. She develops, plans, coordinates, and manages the 4-H Children’s Garden Educational Programs and serves as liaison between MSU and schools, the public, students, donors, and foundation partners. To describe Jessica as beloved by her colleagues, volunteers, teachers, and students would be an understatement. According to them, she is energetic, creative, effective, personable, and “one-of-a-kind.” Here is what her colleagues had to say:
“From the first time planting a plant, to exploring questions they have about the world, Jessica has enriched the lives of these students, and me. Without Jessica, I would be a lesser teacher and lesser person, and she deserves immense recognition and credit for all she does for the MSU community and beyond.”
“She always shows her enthusiasm, love of children, plant knowledge, and high standards. Jessica makes volunteering a valuable experience. I volunteer at the garden because of Jessica.”
“Over the years, the number of individuals inspired by Jessica’s knowledge and experience would easily fill both Spartan Stadium and the Breslin Center!”
