News | Devon Akmon

MSU Museum Embarks on Innovative Project with $2 Million Boost from Forest Akers Trust

November 13, 2023 News

The MSU Museum is thrilled to announce a transformative gift of $2 million from the Forest Akers Trust, a major step forward in reimagining how the Museum engages with its communities and educates future generations. The generous investment will be used to construct and equip two groundbreaking spaces within the Museum. This includes an Immersive Lab for object-based learning and an Exhibit Lab for experiential learning. These spaces are set to transform the way students and visitors interact with theRead More

MSU Museum’s New Series Propels Student Ideas into the Spotlight

November 11, 2023 News

Earlier this fall, the MSU Museum announced the launch of Ignite Talks MSU, a one-of-a-kind public program designed to captivate and inspire attendees through a series of dynamic and fast-paced presentations. The inaugural event took place on November 9, 2023, at the RCAH (Residential College in the Arts and Humanities) Theater, located in Snyder-Phillips Residence Hall. The MSU Museum plans to host Ignite Talks MSU twice each academic year; once during the fall semester and once during the spring semester.Read More

Navigating Partisan Tensions in Museums

November 1, 2023 News

The inaugural Future of Museums Summit, presented by the American Alliance of Museums, is taking place November 1 and 2 virtually. The conference will “explore four themes from the current edition of TrendsWatch: the evolution of digital practice, workplace trends, the growing partisan divide, and recent developments in repatriation, restitution, and reparations.” I have the pleasure and honor of leading one of the discussions, entitled “Navigating Partisan Tensions in Museums.” Participants in this session will delve into the phenomena of how theRead More

MSU Students Partner with the Smithsonian and MSU Museum for Impactful Collaborations

October 31, 2023 News

In April 2023, the MSU Museum served as the inaugural host for the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service’s (SITES) latest exhibition, “Knowing Nature: Stories of the Boreal Forest.” This captivating exhibition explores the vast biodiversity and worldwide importance of the Boreal Forest. More than just an exhibition, it represents an educational odyssey, enriched with personal stories, specially commissioned pieces, interactive features, and breathtaking visual media. Addressing vital topics such as climate change and Indigenous viewpoints, the exhibition seeks to sparkRead More

Establishing the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Latino

October 7, 2023 News

Last night, I had the pleasure of hosting my friend and colleague, Jorge Zamanillo, Founding Director of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Latino, for a conversation here on the campus of Michigan State University. In his engaging presentation, Jorge shared the remarkable journey from his early days as an archaeologist in Miami to becoming the driving force behind the establishment of this groundbreaking museum, which Congress established in December 2020. This program was presented by the MSU MuseumRead More

Charting the Course for Greater Equity in Ann Arbor

August 23, 2023 News

Beginning in August 2021 and extending through April 2023, I had the honor of serving on the 30-member citizen Steering Committee for the City of Ann Arbor’s Equitable Engagement Initiative. The Ann Arbor Equitable Engagement Steering Committee was established to advance equity in the city. The Committee’s work centered on developing a shared understanding of what equity entails and identifying the policies, guidelines, and practices necessary for Ann Arbor to become a more inclusive city. This initiative was a collaborativeRead More

Michigan State University Museum’s Year in Review: Resilience, Innovation, and Growth

August 18, 2023 News

I am delighted to share with you Michigan State University Museum’s annual report, a testament to our institution’s resilience, innovation, and growth over the past year. As you delve into the pages, you’ll discover a newly crafted strategic plan and brand, both reflective of our unwavering mission to serving the MSU community at the nexus of the arts, sciences, cultures, and technologies. The blueprint therein not only offers a roadmap for the next five years but also ensures that weRead More

A Strenuous Ascent to the Summit of Whiteface & Esther Mountains

June 30, 2023 Adventure

Pursuing the ADK46 offers a unique set of challenges and rewards. Interestingly, these challenges and rewards often mirror each other. These mountains truly test both the body and the mind. Even though their elevation might not seem particularly high compared to the mountains out west, they nonetheless pose considerable challenges. The Adirondacks are exceptionally rugged, marked by steep pitches, muddy trails, and boulder-filled inclines. Introduce wet conditions to this mix, and these trails can quickly become treacherous. I was remindedRead More

Original Glamping: A Visit to Great Camp Sagamore

June 27, 2023 Adventure

My annual trip to the Adirondacks in upstate New York has become a cherished tradition. Currently, I am endeavoring to conquer the 46 High Peaks—a challenging quest given our home base in Michigan. Nonetheless, this ongoing mission affords us the chance to delve into the vastness of Adirondack State Park, which astoundingly exceeds the combined size of Yellowstone, Everglades, Glacier, and Grand Canyon National Parks. During this trip, we decided to indulge in a historical experience by spending a coupleRead More

Pedaling through History: A 335-Mile Bike Odyssey from Pittsburgh to D.C. via the Great Allegheny Passage and C&O Canal

June 20, 2023 Adventure

I recently completed a 335-mile journey by bicycle from Pittsburgh to Washington, D.C. along the Great Allegheny Passage and the Chesapeake & Ohio (C&O) Canal Towpath.