August 29, 2023

SVP Gore Announces Reorganization of Divisional Departments

Senior vice president for Student Life & Engagement at Michigan State University, Vennie Gore, has announced that the Department of Student Development and External Relations (SDER) is being dissolved. The units previously under SDER are being reorganized under Assistant Vice President Allyn Shaw, Ph.D. and Assistant Vice President Genyne Royal, Ph.D.

"In our continuous pursuit of excellence, we have made the strategic decision to dissolve the Department of Student Development and External Relations,” notes Gore. “We anticipate these changes will amplify our commitment to the holistic well-being of our students and their success here at Michigan State University."

What was previously known as the Department of Student Involvement and Leadership is now the Department of Student Development and Leadership (SDL). Units within SDL will report to Assistant Vice President Allyn Shaw, Ph.D. This new department consists of the following: Career Services Network, Center for Community-Engaged Learning, Community & Student Relations, Impact 89FM Radio, The MSU Union and Alumni Memorial Chapel, Office of Spartan Experiences, and the Office of Student Support and Accountability.

Fraternity and Sorority Life and the Graduate School Office of Well-Being, previously under SDER and SIL, respectively, will now fall within the Department of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB). These units will report to Assistant Vice President Genyne Royal, Ph.D. Along with these two units, the department also consists of: The Gender and Sexuality Campus Center, MOSAIC: The Multicultural Unity Center, Office of Cultural and Academic Transitions, Student Parent Resource Center, Student Veterans Resource Center, and Women*s Student Services. 

Beyond the current changes, DEIB is also expanding. Expected to be completed in Fall 2024, the Multicultural Center is currently under construction at the corner of Farm and Shaw Lanes. It’s a historic addition to the MSU campus, steeped in advocacy for a free-standing building over several decades. The anticipated facility will be the first full venue under the DEIB departmental umbrella.


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