May 5, 2026

Michigan's 15 public universities are pleased to share the following news items with you. Stewardship is a monthly update on various activities our universities are engaged in that enrich their communities, regions, and the state of Michigan.

Economic Development – Research, Tech Transfer, & Innovation

Opinion: College becomes even more of an economic imperative for Michigan [OU, MASU]

Crain’s Detroit Business (Apr. 29)

Economic Development – Local Partnerships

Dutton Farm earns grant for renovation and learning center [OU]

The Oakland Press (Apr. 5)

Built in Kalamazoo: WMU student wins $100K in Cultivate 269 student pitch competition

WWMT TV (Apr. 10)

Environmental & Agricultural Sustainability

Michigan fruit industry depends on MSU research, outreach: ‘We can’t do it on our own’

MSU AgBioResearch (Apr. 2)

Michigan Tech Senior Research Engineer on the effects of spring weather on the Great Lakes

WWTV TV (Apr. 22)

Researchers say remote Lake Superior island’s wolves are thriving as packs prey on moose [MTU]

AP (Apr. 27)

Health Care

MSU researchers launch new app to help little ones move -- here’s how it works

WDIV TV (Apr. 24)

K-12 Outreach

We collected data on how 779 Michigan school districts are regulating student cellphones − here are the trends

Bridge Detroit (Apr. 11)

'Victory Day' at GVSU brings together college athletes and unified sports for a day of inclusion

WZZM TV (Apr. 20)

Michigan high school esports teams compete at MiHSEF Spring Finals in Flint [UM-F]

WEYI TV (Apr. 29)

CMU partners with Bullock Creek to bring ‘mixed reality’ learning to science classes

WNEM TV (Apr. 30)

Global Outreach

Ukrainian delegation visits Flint to study rehab amid ongoing war [UM-F]

WJRT TV (Apr. 16)

Public Health, Safety, & Security

No Texting and Driving: Wayne State Uses VR to Save Lives

The Great Voice (Apr. 7)

WMU cold case program helps state police solve 7 cold cases while training students

WWMT TV (Apr. 7)

Free CPR training class held at GVSU aims to help save lives [MSU]

WOOD TV (Apr. 12)

Study: Healthy Michigan program also improving financial health of Medicaid enrollees [UM]

Michigan Public (Apr. 27)

Civic Engagement and Education 

Central Michigan University partners with Gift of Life Michigan to offer donor option

WPBN TV (Apr. 1)

Oakland University exhibition reflects on human cost of atomic bombings in Japan | One Detroit

Bridge Detroit (Apr. 3)

Michigan Organizations Boost Voter Engagement and Civic Empowerment [UM-D]

The Fulcrum (Apr. 26)

Faculty Expertise

Michigan Gov. Whitmer signs executive directive for agencies to help businesses receive tariff refunds [UM-D]

CBS News (Apr. 2)

The Metro: Artemis II is inspiring a new generation of space enthusiasts [WSU]

WDET FM (Apr. 9)