News -- Devon Akmon

August 17, 2025

Honoring February 13: A Memorial for Reflection & Healing

This week marks an important milestone for the Michigan State University community. After nearly two years of thoughtful planning, discussion, and collaboration, the MSU Board of Trustees has unanimously approved the final design for the...

August 17, 2025

Guest Appearance on WDET’s The Metro: Museums and Political Pressure

I recently joined WDET’s The Metro to discuss the White House’s directive ordering a “comprehensive internal review” of eight Smithsonian museums. The administration has said it wants institutions to celebrate American exceptionalism instead of addressing...

August 2, 2025

A Summer of Museum Leadership

Summer is often seen as a slower season in the academic world, a time to regroup and plan ahead. However, at the Michigan State University Museum, this summer has been full of activity and momentum....

June 7, 2025

Honored to Lead: Stepping into the Role of AAM Board Chair

I’m deeply honored to step into the role of Board Chair of the American Alliance of Museums for the next two years, representing the MSU Museum and Michigan State University. AAM has shaped my professional...

April 11, 2025

Techno: The Rise of Detroit’s Machine Music at the MSU Museum

Back in February, during Black History Month, the MSU Museum opened a new exhibition titled Techno: The Rise of Detroit’s Machine Music. Curated by Dr. Julian Chambliss, Val Berryman Curator of History, in collaboration with...

April 11, 2025

IMLS Under Threat: The Alarming Consequences for Museums and Libraries

On March 14, President Trump signed an executive order, Continuing the Reduction of the Federal Bureaucracy, which called for the “reduction in the elements of the Federal bureaucracy that the President has determined are unnecessary.”...

March 17, 2025

Honoring the Legacy of Irene Hirano Inouye

Last Friday, we gathered at the Japanese American National Museum to honor the legacy of Irene Hirano Inouye. The evening program featured a community reception and the inaugural event for the Irene Hirano Inouye Distinguished...

October 9, 2024

MSU Museum Reveals Monumentum and Launches Bold New Era

Last Friday, MSU Museum celebrated three significant milestones: the opening of a pop-up gallery at 311 Abbot in downtown East Lansing, as the museum’s facility is currently closed for renovations; the debut of the Monumentum...

September 27, 2024

Shaping the Future: National Youth Summit on Elections & Politics

The Michigan State University Museum was proud to collaborate on the 11th Annual Smithsonian National Youth Summit on September 20, 2024, focusing on “Elections & Politics.” As Michigan’s first Affiliate of the Smithsonian, we had...

September 20, 2024

Addressing Partisan Tensions in Museums: Continuing the Conversation

I am pleased to share a follow-up to last year’s inaugural Future of Museums Summit, where we hosted a panel discussion on Navigating Partisan Tensions in Museums. The session received exceptionally positive feedback, demonstrating the...