The group was started in the Spring of 2007 by a group of MSU business students who wanted to start an organization that would promote entrepreneurship throughout MSU.

“We’re there for anyone who has considered entrepreneurship or who wants to learn more about it,” Allen says. “We help people feel more comfortable about becoming an entrepreneur, and we offer connections to resources for existing entrepreneurs who want to expand their businesses.

“We work to educate, aide, and inspire students of any age to create, nurture, and follow through with their entrepreneurial ideas and to take advantage of opportunities.”

Allen also candidly discusses her recent bipolar disorder diagnosis.

Hosted by Russ White.

Hear the Conversation 13:57 – 8 mb mp3

MSU Today

Job growth in electronic commerce illustrates this shift. Employers are hiring critical-thinking graduates with the skills to capture more Internet business and help the company continually redefine its operation, says Phil Gardner, director of MSU’s Collegiate Employment Research Institute, which conducts the annual study.

“Employers want to be much more flexible; they want to be agile,” Gardner says. “They’re bringing in employees who can slide in multiple directions depending on what transpires over the next year. And that opens the door for students from a variety of academic backgrounds.”

Ultimately, while many employers tell Gardner they hope to see the economy rebound, he says folks need to understand things will not return to “normal” – that is, a labor market in which college graduates have their pick of high-paying jobs. The recession, combined with increasing global competition, means graduates will continue competing for fewer jobs with lower salaries and benefits.

Kelley Bishop, MSU’s career services director, says it’s imperative that students get aggressive about their futures early in their college careers by networking with prospective employers, landing internships and developing critical thinking skills. He said this cuts across all majors – from engineering to liberal arts – because employers are worrying less about a student’s major and more about whether they can solve problems and think outside the box.

“The premium is being placed on flexibility and adaptability,” Bishop says, “because this change in the labor market looks like it’s permanent. And those who can quickly adapt are the ones who are going to survive through this and prosper through this.”

Hosted by Russ White.

Hear the Conversation 22:13 – 12.8 mb mp3

“The URC is a collaboration between Michigan State University, the University of Michigan and Wayne State University to really try to leverage the strengths of the three institutions to grow and diversify Michigan’s economy,” Mason says.

Mason discusses a November visit to Ann Arbor by representatives of the National Institutes of Health.

“The URC is helping to bring NIH representatives to Michigan to spend time with university faculty and entrepreneurs to help them understand how to access NIH funding,” Mason says.

Hosted by Russ White.

Hear the Conversation 5:37 – 3.2 mb mp3

Cotter discusses the profile of the 2009 class at MSU.

“Despite the challenges we’re facing as a state and a nation, things are good at MSU right now in terms of enrollment,” Cotter says. “We’re larger than we’ve ever been before in terms of the aggregate population, which is somewhere just slightly north of 47,000.

“Our freshmen target was 7,200, which was intentionally a little smaller than a year ago,” Cotter adds. “This year we came in at 7,208 with about 21 percent out-of-state students, and students of color are very well represented in this very diverse class that includes about 685 international students.”

He analyzes overall trends in university admissions, and he talks about the office’s Detroit outreach efforts. He talks about how the college admissions process has changed over the years. And Cotter gives his vision for MSU’s Office of Admissions.

Hosted by Russ White.

Hear the Conversation 17:20 – 9.9 mb mp3

Matt invites all Spartans to Midnight Madness at Breslin Center on Friday October 16. Admission is free, and doors open at 9:30 p.m.

Larson reflects on the Spartans’ electric drive to the 2009 Final Four in Detroit and on the positive green and white vibes that permeated the State of Michigan last spring. And he analyzes the strengths and weaknesses of the 2009/2010 Spartans. And he describes technology’s impact on the field of sports communication.

Hosted by Russ White.

Hear the Conversation 22:40 – 13 mb mp3

His major achievements were his successful efforts to maintain the quality of MSU’s academic programs despite budget reductions, his commitment to the education of the economically and educationally disadvantaged, and the integration of the School of Osteopathic Medicine with MSU’s other medical schools.

Wharton’s most lasting contribution to the University was the completion of Wharton Center for Performing Arts. The building, dedicated in 1982, was named in honor of Wharton and his wife Dolores, in recognition of the strong support, which they gave the project.

Wharton Center is celebrating the completion of an $18.5 million expansion and renovation project and the launch of a new season with an open house on October 11.

Dr. Wharton reflects on Wharton Center’s origins and also talks about his legacy as MSU’s 14th president. And he gives his views on the challenges facing higher education in 2009.

Hosted by Russ White.

Hear the Conversation 14:38 – 8.4 mb mp3

Wharton Center is celebrating the completion of an $18.5 million expansion and renovation project, and the launch of a new season with a free public open house on Sunday, October 11, 2009 from noon to 4:00 p.m. The event will begin with a ribbon cutting at noon with Clifton and Dolores Wharton, and other dignitaries.

“We’re excited to reintroduce Wharton Center to the MSU and greater communities,” says Wharton Center’s Executive Director Mike Brand. “This project wouldn’t have been possible without the generous support of our university leadership and greater community. I have no doubt everyone will be pleased.”

Hosted by Russ White.

Hear the Conversation 16:31 – 9.5 mb mp3

“There is some H1N1 flu virus activity in our community,” Sienko says. “There isn’t a lot, but we have found that virtually all of it is being caused by this virus.”

MSU administration and health officials are monitoring the H1N1 flu (swine flu) outbreak and working closely with local, state and national public health officials.

Sienko expects the vaccine to arrive in the area by mid-October and to have it all distributed by the end of December.

In the absence of the vaccine, Sienko advises that we all practice careful personal hygiene.

“Wash your hands often, and stay home if you’re sick,” Sienko says.

Sienko advises that those who contract the virus should stay away from school or work for at least 24 hours after one’s fever begins to subside.

“It’s been a mild illness so far, and we hope it stays that way,” Sienko says.

Hosted by Russ White.

Hear the Conversation 9:16 – 5.3 mb mp3

He talks about what public relations is in 2009 and about how social media and technology have impacted the industry.

“Social media and technology have amplified our voice,” he says. “We can reach more people than ever before and truly engage in two-way communication.”

Cherenson talks about the challenges and opportunities facing public relations. He also offers his thoughts on the skills one needs to possess to succeed in PR and offers his advice for young people who want to enter the profession.

“PRSA is really about empowerment and helping people build their careers,” Cherenson says. “And it’s about helping people network and advance the profession.”

Hosted by Russ White.

Hear the Conversation 10:30 – 6 mb mp3

“I’ve always been interested in engineering since I played with Legos as a kid,” Nill says. “I want to be able to help people and solve problems.

“The college has an unbelieveable support cast and really wants to see students succeed.”

Hosted by Russ White.

Hear the Conversation 6:50 – 3.9 mb mp3