extension – SourceLive

Last month, Michigan State University President Kevin M. Guskiewicz, Ph.D., and a group of faculty and administrators set out on the inaugural Spartan Bus Tour. They visited locations throughout the western Lower Peninsula of Michigan to build community connections and strengthen MSU’s commitment to education, research, outreach and extension.

MSU Human Resources was fortunate to be represented on the Bus Tour by two team members, Sherri Reese, PhD, Director of Talent, and Bianca Price, Customer Service Experience Manager. Along with President Guskiewicz and a delegation of faculty and administrators, they explored the breadth and depth of the university’s research, outreach, and education impact. They visited more than a dozen places around the state where MSU is partnering with local communities to change Michigan and the world for the better.

We asked Sherri and Bianca to share their experiences on the inaugural Spartan Bus Tour and this is what they had to say:

Tell us about your favorite stop on the tour.

Sherri: Visiting Martinez Farm in Conklin was incredibly inspiring. Seeing how the Great Lakes Latina/o Farmers Program empowers first-generation farmers through hands-on agricultural training was a highlight. Hearing the owner’s journey from migrant worker to farm owner deeply resonated with me, reflecting my own family’s experiences. Achieving farm ownership from such beginnings is no small feat, and the farm’s commitment to sustainable agriculture and community engagement left a lasting impression.

Bianca: My favorite stop was on Day Two at Arcadia Bluffs Golf Club. One of my goals for the tour was to learn more about the Spartans I serve and find connections between what I observed and my improving my role in HR. As a result, Arcadia’s approach to merging operational efficiency with a high-impact customer experience resonated deeply with me. By prioritizing customer feedback, they have refined their service in a way that draws a clear line to my work—demonstrating that operational excellence and a strong customer experience are inseparable. This insight reinforces my commitment to building a responsive, operationally efficient, people-centered culture at MSU.

What was the best part about spending time with the President, faculty, and staff from around the university?

Sherri: Spending time with President Guskiewicz and colleagues from various departments was a unique chance to learn about the diverse initiatives across our university. These interactions fostered a sense of unity and collaboration, strengthening our collective commitment to the university’s mission.

Bianca: The best part of spending time with the President was witnessing servant leadership. He and his team went above and beyond to make each stop memorable, personable, and enjoyable- embodying excellence at every turn for each community and Spartan on the bus.

Connecting with faculty and staff from across the university was equally inspiring. Every Spartan on the bus was passionate about expanding their impact and supporting fellow Spartans. Sharing ideas on how to amplify MSU’s initiatives showed me the strength of our community and our shared commitment to making a difference for Michigan and MSU.

What takeaways from this experience excite you most about your work in HR?

Sherri: This tour underscored the value of supporting programs that champion diversity and inclusion, like the Great Lakes Latina/o Farmers Program. In HR, this motivates me to keep developing initiatives that empower every member of our university community, ensuring they have the resources and support to thrive.

Bianca: Two takeaways stood out: a commitment to continuous improvement and a spirit of curiosity and collaboration in problem-solving. Just as MSU serves communities statewide, we in HR strive to build an adaptive, supportive workplace where curiosity drives us to find new ways to meet employee needs. Every improvement we make directly impacts employee satisfaction and strengthens my dedication to advancing MSU’s mission.

The tour reminded me that while innovation propels us forward, combining it with our land-grant tradition allows us to solve problems thoughtfully, honoring the past while creating a brighter future. This blend of curiosity, tradition, and forward-thinking inspires me to keep evolving in my role.

Through these experiences, it is evident that MSU has a presence and continues to invest in communities all over Michigan with an enduring dedication to helping the state thrive. In each of those places, Spartans are valued parts of the community who translate research into actionable solutions that improve the lives of Michiganders.