LOCAL

By: Jack Harrison 

EAST LANSING, Mich. -  The United States is facing a severe lack of childcare. In fact, over half of Americans live in what are referred to as “childcare deserts,” locations where three or more children are competing for a single licensed provider. These shortages are a reality in Michigan as well.

It is no secret that childcare can be expensive. However, that might not even be a factor for families when there are no available licensed providers within a reasonable proximity. The implications extend beyond the financial for families, extending to businesses and even the state’s economy. But to what degree does this lack of access affect workforce participation rates and economic output for Michigan?

Researchers from Michigan State University set out to answer that question with funding from the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential.

Their study, published in the journal Social Sciences, sought to understand the extent to which the distance miles away from a licensed provider prevents labor force participation. Notably, researchers found that over 5,000 more women would join the workforce if childcare was available within five miles of their home.

“Driven by MSU’s land-grant mission to translate knowledge for the public good, our research team has been focused on using data to help inform policy decision-making,” said Jamie Wu, an assistant professor in MSU’s Department of Human Development and Family Studies and associate director of Community Evaluation Programs at University Outreach and Engagement. “Reliable, affordable and nurturing childcare is essential for every family. When such care is unavailable outside the family, parents of young children face constant challenges balancing work, caregiving and financial stability. Our work seeks to illuminate these barriers and provide evidence-based insights to guide effective childcare policies and community support systems.”

"At MiLEAP, we know that expanding access to licensed child care is an investment in Michigan's economic strength and in the well-being of every child and family," said Lisa Brewer-Walraven, director of Child Development and Care at MiLEAP. "When families can find and afford quality child care close to home, parents can fully participate in the workforce, employers can retain their employees, and our communities and economy thrive."

Prior to 2020, 44% of Michigan residents were estimated to reside in a childcare desert. This directly reduces labor participation, as childcare disruption in Michigan negatively impacts one-third of parental employment. The economic impacts resulting from a lack of reliable childcare are severe. Absenteeism and turnover due to childcare disruptions cost the Michigan economy an estimated $2.88 billion annually, with employers losing out on $2.3 billion, while the remaining $576 million is lost in state income tax.

Neighborhood location also impacts access, and studies do not always recognize the demographic inequalities. Suburban neighborhoods are less likely to be in a desert (44%) compared to rural (58%) and urban counterparts (55%). White and Black families are least likely to live in a neighborhood childcare desert, whereas American Indian, Alaska Native and Hispanic families are the most likely to be without a licensed provider.

There are a variety of factors that may impact childcare, such as quality or price. Proximity to a home is a major factor; therefore, researchers set out to explore the influence of childcare access on local economic development through effects on the size of the labor market.

Specifically, they sought to understand the association between access to licensed childcare providers and workforce participation of households. The research team specifically examined labor force participation for women, single-parent households and two-parent households.

Data was drawn from the state’s childcare licensing records to identify all licensed early childhood facilities in Michigan and were combined with census population and labor force participation data to examine the relationship between families’ proximity to licensed childcare and the extent to which access is linked to labor force participation.

The researchers found that a one-mile increase in distance to the nearest provider is associated with a decrease in 2.7% female labor participation rate; a 2.2% decrease for two working parents; and a 1.7% decrease for single parents in the labor force. Comparisons also found that high school completion is associated with higher rates of labor force participation and an association with shift work.

“This study matters because we helped further document a correlation between childcare access and labor force participation, a relationship that could inspire policymakers to push for change,” said John Reaves, a graduate student at the Department of Economics who’s on the research team. “We did this by using data that is largely publicly available through the census and methods that are hopefully straightforward enough for other states to make use of. It would be great if this paper could inspire similar studies in other places, or act as a push to bring childcare nearer to families in places like the Upper Peninsula.”

Just under a percent (0.9%) of Michigan’s population lives more than eight miles away from licensed childcare, but almost 3% (2.9%) live further than five miles, suggesting that 5,643 more women would join the labor force if care was available within that distance.

While the research should not be used for specific forecasts, it does elicit several policy recommendations.

The research framework can be applied to specific communities or other regions, as well as be used for interventions. There are several key policy recommendations from the research, including:

• Investing in childcare infrastructure: Expand licensed care in rural and low-income areas.
• Reducing five-mile childcare deserts: Eliminate barriers in terms of the physical distance.
• Considering childcare policies: Adopt policies and tax incentives in policy and planning.
• Promoting employer solutions: Encourage businesses to provide options, leverage incentives and stabilize their workforce.

When the labor force increases through the elimination of barriers, there are community benefits such as a more sophisticated workforce, an increased tax base, crime prevention and more social services. Additionally, these childcare facilities can become central hubs for interactions, facilitating information and places for social support and trust in the community.

This research also matters for the future generation of workforce participants, by providing for educational and employment opportunities, as well as advancing career development for women non-working parents.

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By: Mark Bullion 

EAST LANSING, Mich. -  Times Higher Education has released its 2026 World University rankings, placing MSU in the top 5% of institutions worldwide. The rank of 105 out of 2,191 institutions, is a jump of 17 from last year’s ranking and the highest in four years. Among the 171 colleges and universities ranked in the United States, MSU’s standing improved by four — to No. 38.

“This is another proud moment for Michigan State as a passionately public, global research university,” said MSU President Kevin M. Guskiewicz, Ph.D. “The recognition reflected in these rankings underscores our academic and research excellence driven by our world-class faculty who are deeply committed to student success.”

The jump in rankings for this year is attributed primarily to an increase in scoring on the faculty reputational survey, which accounts for 33% of the overall ranking.

The Times Higher Education ranking methodology has been the same for the last three years and includes 17 metrics across five categories.

MSU’s worldwide rank of No. 105 places the university at No. 10 among the 18 Big Ten institutions, an improvement of three places. Five Big Ten universities improved in rank an average of seven places. MSU’s jump from No. 122 to No. 105 was the largest.

Times Higher Education is one of four major global rankings.

Other recent notable MSU rankings:

• MSU boasts 6 undergraduate programs among best in nation
• MSU ranked highly for research, affordability by Washington Monthly
• MSU graduate programs earn several No. 1 and top 10 rankings by U.S. News & World Report

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$10 million gift comes from alumni Mary and Mike Lamach 

By: Tim Day 

EAST LANSING, Mich. - A $10 million gift from alumni Mary and Mike Lamach is kick-starting Michigan State University’s fundraising efforts for the Engineering and Digital Innovation, or EDI, Center that will inspire multidisciplinary problem-solving in a dynamic new facility on campus.

“The EDI Center is where Spartans will imagine, create and learn to lead the industries of tomorrow,” said MSU President Kevin M. Guskiewicz, Ph.D. “We are grateful for the vision and generosity of the Lamachs, who were the first to step up for this project to support the next generation of hardworking Spartan innovators. These future Spartans will serve and empower their communities and, ultimately, transform our world for the better, which is a fitting tribute to Mary and Mike.”

Mike Lamach earned a bachelor’s degree in engineering from MSU, a foundation that launched a distinguished career in partnership with his wife, Mary. As former chair and CEO of Ingersoll Rand and Trane Technologies, he was nationally recognized for guiding the company’s transformation into a global leader in sustainability. Mary Lamach, who earned her bachelor’s degree in education, helped shape the couple’s philanthropic vision to support student education and, now, partner with MSU to create a space for innovation and cross-disciplinary collaboration.

“There were so many others who laid the groundwork for what we experienced at Michigan State and then to know that we’re going to be part of laying that groundwork for future generations means a lot to me,” said Mary.

“The EDI Center will model real-life problem-solving,” said Mike. “Solving problems, innovation and generating the best ideas require multidisciplinary thinking and diversity of experience.”

The couple met at MSU and have been together for 42 years. Both were first in their respective families to attend and graduate from college. Mike remembers his first time on a college campus was when he pulled up to MSU’s Holmes Hall on move-in day.

“Mike and I love being at this point in our lives together,” Mary said. “We are thankful for the ability to give back to Michigan State with the hope that we can positively impact the trajectory of others’ lives the way that our Spartan experience changed our own lives.”

The naming of the Mary and Mike Lamach Auditorium and the Mary and Mike Lamach Auditorium Lobby in honor of the couple, along with authorization to plan for the Engineering and Digital Innovation Center, is pending approval by the Michigan State University Board of Trustees.

Conceptually modeled from the university’s collaboration with industry partners, the facility is planned to be a flexible, tech-enabled network of labs, classrooms and collaboration spaces that will mirror how ideas evolve in the workplace. Students and faculty from multiple colleges and disciplines will engage at the center, including through programs in entrepreneurship, game design, cybersecurity, quantum technology and space electronics.

The new building will be strategically located in the heart of MSU’s campus, steps from the Engineering Building and the STEM Teaching and Learning Facility, with the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams within view.

“We’re excited about our progress on the planned EDI Center, which will bring together education, research and career preparation, creating countless opportunities in engineering, materials science, robotics, advanced manufacturing, semiconductors and artificial intelligence,” said College of Engineering Interim Dean and MSU Research Foundation Professor John Papapolymerou. “Within this dynamic hub, Spartans will work across disciplines and leverage resources in one place to bring bold ideas to life. We are grateful to Mike and Mary for their vision and generosity that will help us make this hub a reality.”

On Oct. 23, the Lamachs were honored as Philanthropists of the Year at the university’s Grand Awards. These awards are among the highest distinctions MSU bestows upon its alums.

The project is a key objective of MSU’s comprehensive fundraising campaign, Uncommon Will, Far Better World. President Guskiewicz announced the campaign’s $4 billion goal in March to equip Spartans with the resources, experiences and knowledge to address the world’s greatest challenges, solidify MSU as a talent activator and to create a thriving society.

“Philanthropy is an act of optimism — a belief in what’s possible,” said University Advancement Vice President Kim Tobin. “Leaders like Mary and Mike Lamach are accelerating impact and inspiring others to invest in our mission during MSU’s most ambitious fundraising campaign.”

Learn more about the Uncommon Will, Far Better World campaign and the EDI Center.

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 By: Emily Linnert 

EAST LANSING, Mich. - New research from Michigan State University found cannabis exposure occurs in at least one in six pregnancies in Michigan and as high as one in four in some parts of the state.

Michigan legalized medical cannabis in 2008 and adult recreational use in 2018, becoming the first Midwestern state to do so. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends against cannabis use during pregnancy and while breastfeeding.

“With increased legalization, cannabis becomes more accessible, affordable and perceived as safe,” said lead researcher Ban Al-Sahab, assistant professor in the Department of Family Medicine in the College of Human Medicine. “This changing legal and social landscape around cannabis necessitates a deeper understanding of trends and characteristics associated with cannabis use. Our research provides timely validated measures of its use in pregnant populations.”

The research, published in Addiction, used self-reported data and urine toxicology testing to measure cannabis use. The data came from a prospective statewide pregnancy cohort, the Michigan Archive for Research on Child Health, or MARCH, that is part of the Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes, or ECHO, program—one of the largest studies funded by the National Institutes of Health.

The cohort enrolled a representative sample of pregnant Michigan mothers between 2017 and 2023, which consisted of just over 1,100 people who were recruited at their first prenatal visit.

“The unique contribution of this study is that it estimates the statewide prevalence of prenatal cannabis use using both self-reported data and urine toxicology, providing findings that are generalizable to the pregnant population of the entire state,” said Al-Sahab. “Our sampling design enables us to produce estimates that are representative of all births in the state of Michigan.”

A related study using MARCH data found that around one-third of those who used cannabis during pregnancy did not disclose use. Many pregnant women choose not to disclose cannabis use due to the social stigma that surrounds drug use, fear of discrimination based on race or socioeconomic status, and fear of potential legal implications. 

“Our findings underscore the urgent need to better understand why cannabis use is so prevalent during pregnancy and how to support women in making safe choices for themselves and their babies,” said Al-Sahab. “Moving forward, our goal is to develop new interventions that aim to curb the prevalence of cannabis use and improve maternal and infant health outcomes.”  

The study was funded by the Office of Research on Women’s Health at the National Institutes of Health and the Addiction Consortium on Research and Education Network at Michigan State University.

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