News | Devon Akmon

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 Catalytic Gift to Support CoLab Studio

October 12, 2022 News, Uncategorized

On Monday, October 10, Michigan State University Federal Credit Union (MSUFCU) announced a $5.5M gift to advance three Michigan State University arts programs over the next five years. The announcement was made during a ceremony at Michigan State University Museum. This major gift is a continuation of MSUFCU’s investment in arts and cultural at MSU. The award will support three initiatives: the MSUFCU Arts Power Up Endowment, which will fund two pilot programs: the MSUFCU Arts Power Up Arts ResidenciesRead More

Exhibition & Programs Explore the Impact of the Global Climate Crisis

September 6, 2022 News

The MSU Museum is pleased to present 1.5° Celsius now through February 25, 2023. The exhibition and its supporting programs imagine new ways of addressing the social and environmental issues connected to the global climate crisis. Through the contributions of national and international artists, scientists, and researchers, the exhibition addresses the global climate crisis across three key themes. These themes focus on the interdependence of all life, imagined futures, and sustainable solutions to combat the global climate crisis. After reviewing over 175Read More

MSU Museum Reveals New Look and Purpose

August 25, 2022 News

The MSU Museum is pleased to introduce a new five-year strategic plan and the launch of a new Museum division focused on innovation and experimentation. The MSU Museum has been an important resource to the Michigan State University community for over 165 years. Since 1857, the Museum had been collecting objects and creating exhibitions that reflect our shared histories and experiences. However, we believe a university museum can and should be so much more. That is why the MSU MuseumRead More

Field of View: An Art x Science Film Series

May 23, 2022 News, News

After two years of social distancing and other precautions due to the ongoing pandemic, the MSU Museum is pleased to bring the local community together in an outdoor public setting for an exciting new films series that will entertain, enlighten, and illuminate minds. Field of View: An Art x Science Film Series, co-presented by the MSU Museum, MSU Science Gallery, and the City of East Lansing, features a collection of eight thought-provoking documentaries exploring humankind’s understanding of the world. ThisRead More

‘Science of Grief’ Podcast Wins ‘Best Use of New Media’ Award

March 11, 2022 News

The Science of Grief podcast, produced by Michigan State University’s Science Gallery and WDET-FM, was recognized as the Best Use of New Media at the Michigan Association of Broadcasters‘ 2021 Broadcast Excellence Awards on Thursday, March 10, 2022. We’re immensely excited about, and grateful for, the recognition! The 10-episode podcast series provided space for young adults to share stories, science, and solutions for those who explored their mental health for the first time. Hosted by acclaimed poet and MSU ScienceRead More

Tracked & Traced

September 30, 2021 News

On September 10, 2021, MSU’s Science Gallery opened its fourth annual exhibition, “Tracked & Traced,” at the Michigan State University Museum. On display until December 11, the exhibition and its supporting public programs examine the complex relationship between surveillance and ethics. Through the contributions of more than one dozen national and international artists, scientists, and researchers, the exhibition investigates surveillance both virtual and physical across four key themes. These include a focus on the ways that businesses collect personal informationRead More

Ann Arbor Equitable Engagement Steering Committee

September 18, 2021 News

Last month I was chosen to serve as a volunteer on the City of Ann Arbor’s new Equitable Engagement Steering Committee. In sum, 30 local residents were selected to “help Ann Arbor become the inclusive and just community it desires to be.” Four goals guide our work, which include working to develop: A deeper understanding of what equity and equitable engagement means and could look like in Ann Arbor. Policy recommendations  for Council consideration and adoption . Staff guidelines based onRead More

A Conversation with Russ White of MSU Today

August 18, 2021 News

I recently had the pleasure of speaking with Russ White of MSU Today. Russ is a great interviewer. He has a talent for putting his subjects at ease and in a conversational mood. Our conversation explored the recent merging of Science Gallery with the MSU Museum, my leadership of both, and the plans for revitalizing the museum in the coming years. A transcript, along with the audio from the interview, can be found at WKAR. Some excerpts from our conversation:Read More

The Inclusive Museum Leader

July 24, 2021 News

Earlier this year I had the opportunity to contribute a chapter to a new book, published by Rowman & Littlefied and the American Alliance of Museums, called The Inclusive Museum Leader. Edited by Cinnamon Catlin-Legutko, director of the Illinois State Museum, and Chris Taylor, chief inclusion officer at the Minnesota Historical Society, the book features over 25 diverse and accomplished leaders from across the museum field. Together, the authors “share their journeys to becoming inclusive leaders, as well as decisionsRead More