September 2, 2025

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

Oakland University Wins Second Place in 2025 Marine Energy Collegiate Competition

Patch (Aug. 4)

 

EMU professor develops classroom technology to detect gunshots

WEMU FM (Aug. 11)

 

MSU study calls for more than 66,600 new EV chargers around the state

The Detroit News (Aug. 17)

 

Ann Arbor road project contains 7,000 scrap tires in experimental asphalt [MTU]

MLive (Aug. 21)

 

UM-Dearborn study reveals what EV drivers care most about charging stations

Michigan News (Aug. 21)

 

Economic Development – Local Partnerships

Batch Brewing Company partners with Wayne State to create healthier soda alternative

WXYZ TV (Aug. 20)

 

Environmental & Agricultural Sustainability

‘Livers of the river’ found in Grand Rapids area polluted creek offer hope for recovery [GVSU]

MLive (Aug. 11)

 

US counties with animal feedlots have more air pollution, less health insurance: Study [UM]

The Hill (Aug. 12)

 

As winters decline, scientists measure impact on Great Lakes water [MSU, MTU, OU, UM]

The Detroit News (Aug. 15)

 

MSU AgBioResearch helps propel potato industry

MSU AgBioResearch (Aug. 27)

 

Lake Superior State University students test oil spill response in Great Lakes wetlands

The Sault News (Aug. 28)

 

Health Care

Scientists find a new cause of heart disease [UM]

Knowridge (Aug. 11)

 

K-12 Outreach

WSU, Detroit public schools launch writing institute for high school English teachers

The Detroit News (Aug. 1)

 

Eastern Michigan University Unveils Way Forward@EMU Program with $1M Toyota Grant

dbusiness (Aug. 1)

 

Michigan Earth Science Teachers Conference attendees explore the area [LSSU]

Soo Leader (Aug. 6)

 

Michigan teacher pay lags as districts lean on local programs to fill classrooms [MSU, SVSU]

WNEM TV (Aug. 8)

 

Public Health, Safety, & Security

Central Michigan man charged in 2003 murder of Saginaw woman headed to trial [WMU]

CBS News (Aug. 3)

 

NMU Students Help Solve U.P. Cold Case

Northern Today (Aug. 6)

 

Civic Engagement and Education 

Western Michigan University Launches Indigenous Elders-in-Residence Program to Bridge Generational Learning Gap

Native News Online (Aug. 28)

 

Culture & Placemaking

WNMU-FM’s Anishinaabe Radio News Marks Milestone

Michigan Association of Broadcasters (Aug. 1)

 

Preserving public art [UM-D]

UM Dearborn News (Aug. 4)

 

Giant megaphone installed at Belle Isle Park to amplify the sound of nature [MTU]

Michigan Public (Aug. 14)

 

FIM collaborates with UM-Flint Theatre for a season of growth and community connection

WNEM TV (Aug. 22)

 

Grief, Grace, & Gratitude • Pit & Balcony's 94th Season of Community Enrichment [SVSU]v

Review Mag (Aug. 28)

 

Student & Faculty Service

Class of 2029 assembles 500 care kits on OUWB’s second day of orientation

OUWB School of Medicine (Aug. 6)

 

Local Heroes: Preserving history through cemetery cleanup [UM-F]

WSMH TV (Aug. 7)