Outreach
Outreach is a core function of a world-grant university like Michigan State and of leading colleges and departments within it, such as Educational Administration. Collectively, we approach this responsibility in many ways, among which include forms of outreach scholarship in which faculty identify problems and issues of practice and develop new ways to instruct, inform and assist others in solving those problems, on-going professional consultations and short-term collaborations, and bringing intellectual expertise to commission and task force memberships at the local, state, regional, national and international levels. We pride ourselves in the ability to develop effective and rewarding relationships with peers within and outside the academy and to furthering the larger service and outreach missions of the university – to doing work that is of benefit to others.
A brief portrait of the kinds of outreach in which EAD faculty are currently or recently involved include:
David Arsen, brought his expertise in school finance and policy to bear in a recent invited presentation to the state Legislative Leadership program. The talk, “K-12 Education Finance in Michigan”, was sponsored by MSU’s Institute for Public Policy and Social Research and provided over 30 newly elected legislators in Michigan’s House and Senate with an orientation regarding key public policy areas.
Appointed by the Governor, MaryLee Davis serves as one of three public members of the Michigan Finance Authority. She also has been appointed to the Michigan Health and Hospital Association Strategic Planning committee and stands as the only non-healthcare administrator on this committee. MaryLee’s expertise in not-for-profit and health care administration and governance, as well as her understandings of state and federal policies are borne out in these appointments.
John Dirkx has been engaged for over two years working with faculty and senior administrators at Can Tho University to establish a Center for Adult Education and Training that will serve the Mekong Delta in the south of Vietnam. In addition to helping meet adult learner and workforce needs, John and his CTU colleagues are providing pedagogical support to university and college faculty as they strive to effectively prepare very diverse learners.
Co-PI of the Skillman Foundation Future Teachers for Social Justice project, Chris Dunbar continues his long-standing commitment to social justice and urban schools by working with a cadre of Detroit Public High School students who are recruited and encouraged to attend college and eventually become teachers in Detroit Public Schools.
Melinda Mangin is working with 20 districts of one Intermediate School District in Michigan to develop literacy coach roles. The multi-year collaboration helps districts examine the contextual factors and training opportunities that assist in developing effective literacy coaches for school improvement.