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 By: Victoria Brown 

Michigan State University continues to be a top 10 U.S. public university for preparing graduates for employment. In the Global Employability University Ranking 2027, MSU ranked No. 9 among U.S. public universities and No. 33 among all universities across the country.

The ranking, published by Times Higher Education, highlights universities that recruiters from leading companies believe do the best job of preparing students for the workplace. The ranking includes universities across the globe.

“In a dynamic economy shaped by fast-evolving technologies, graduates need to be prepared for careers extending into the 2070s and possibly jobs that don’t even yet exist,” said MSU President Kevin M. Guskiewicz, Ph.D. “Michigan State’s engagement with business leaders, our faculty’s work modernizing our general education curriculum and our focus on interdisciplinary education are part of the work we’re doing to support Spartans’ success in the job markets of today and tomorrow.”

MSU maintains a 93% placement rate for bachelor’s degree graduates within six months of graduation for employment or advanced degrees. 65% of graduates are employed in Michigan, with alumni from all 83 counties across the state.

“Preparing students for lifelong career success is a shared commitment across Michigan State University,” said Karin Hanson, director of MSU’s Career Services Network. “Through career-connected learning, experiential opportunities both in and outside of the classroom, and strong employer partnerships, we help students build the skills, confidence and networks needed to navigate an evolving workforce. This ranking highlights the impact of our university-wide approach to preparing future-ready Spartans.”

Recruiters identified the universities they believe best prepare students for the workplace, recognizing 300 institutions across 47 countries. Employers could vote for universities both within their own country and around the world if they recruit internationally. Among institutions in the conference, MSU ranked No. 3 for Big Ten public universities to prepare students for careers.

MSU students have access to a variety of career resources designed to help them feel more confident and prepared as they enter the workforce.

“Michigan State Career Services provided an incredibly valuable resource as I prepared for an upcoming internship interview,” said Addie Kailbourne, a public relations student. “I felt unprepared before taking advantage of the resource, but afterward, I felt much more comfortable and confident going into my interview and I ultimately ended up receiving an offer. I’m so grateful I had access to this resource and would encourage other MSU students to take advantage of it.”

“Some of the most valuable support I received as a student came from the career resources available at Michigan State University,” said Sophia Jundy, a recent MSU graduate. “I always felt welcomed and supported, and no question was ever too small. The guidance I received helped build my confidence as I prepared to enter the workforce. Today, I’m working at a public relations agency, and I can see how those resources helped prepare me for my career. I would encourage every student to take advantage of the support Career Services offers.”

The MSU community is made up of more than 12,000 faculty and academic and support staff, along with a global alumni network of over 550,000 Spartans. This year alone, MSU achieved the following additional rankings:

• MSU boasts 5 academic disciplines in top 20 globally
• MSU earns top 100 ranking by Times Higher Education
• US News & World Report ranks 7 MSU undergraduate programs among best in nation
• US News & World Report ranks MSU in top 6% of universities

(courtesy story)

November is Carbon Monoxide Safety and Awareness Month 

LANSING, Mich. – November is Carbon Monoxide (CO) Safety Awareness Month and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) and Michigan State Police (MSP) remind residents of the dangers of CO and urge them to take preventive steps to protect themselves and their loved ones. 

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has proclaimed November 2026 as Carbon Monoxide Safety and Awareness Month in Michigan to help raise awareness and encourage safe practices. 

“Carbon monoxide is a poisonous gas that you cannot see, taste or smell – but it can be deadly when you breathe it in,” said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, chief medical executive. “Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include headache, fatigue, dizziness, nausea, confusion and shortness of breath. I urge families to have working carbon monoxide detectors in their homes to help prevent tragedies.” 

Each year, CO poisonings lead to emergency department visits, hospitalizations and deaths. In 2024, there were 608 cases of illness due to unintentional CO poisoning, including 42 deaths, recorded among Michigan residents according to the 2024 Michigan Carbon Monoxide Surveillance Report.  

CO poisoning affects all ages but can be a greater risk for younger and older individuals. 

• Developing babies: Fetal blood cells absorb CO more easily than adult blood cells.  
• Children: Smaller bodies that breathe more rapidly mean children can potentially take in more CO. 
• Older adults: This group is at a higher risk of illness due to CO exposure. They may be more likely to develop brain damage. 
• Everyone: Symptoms of CO poisoning worsen the longer you are exposed.  

“Carbon monoxide exposure is preventable, but you have to take action before there is an emergency,” said State Fire Marshal Tom Hughes. “Have working carbon monoxide alarms, maintain fuel-burning appliances and use generators and other equipment safely. If an alarm sounds or you think carbon monoxide may be present, get outside into fresh air and call 911. Don’t try to find the source or wait to see if the alarm stops.” 

CO facts: 

• CO is a poisonous gas. You cannot see, taste or smell CO, but it can be deadly when inhaled. 
• CO is found where carbon-based fuels, including natural gas, kerosene, gasoline, propane, charcoal, oil and wood, are burned. 
• All fuel-burning items, including vehicles and portable generators, release CO. 
• CO can build up in enclosed or partially enclosed spaces. Opening windows or doors does NOT stop CO buildup. If a CO detector goes off or someone has CO poisoning symptoms, remember to get out into fresh air and call 911 for assistance. 

Law enforcement works closely with partner agencies to ensure first responders are trained and prepared for CO emergencies. 

“Because carbon monoxide can be deadly, it’s essential to know the risks and be prepared to protect your family during the winter months,” said Col. James F. Grady II, director of the MSP. “The Michigan State Police is committed to partnering with other agencies to make sure first responders are trained to identify the dangers of exposure and respond appropriately.” 

CO poisoning prevention tips:  

• Install 10-year lithium battery detectors on every level of your home and near all sleeping areas. Smoke detectors do not alert to CO exposure. 
• Inspect fuel-burning vehicles yearly and repair any exhaust system leaks immediately. 
• Never run a vehicle inside a garage or in any enclosed or partially enclosed space — even with doors open. 
• Have heating systems, water heaters and all fuel-burning appliances professionally inspected annually to ensure proper operation and ventilation. 
• Never use outdoor fuel-burning equipment, e.g., grills, generators, gas-powered saws, heaters, etc., inside a home including the basement, or in a tent, garage or camper. Do not heat living spaces with a gas oven. 
• Operate portable generators at least 20 feet away from enclosed structures. Use extra-long, grounded extension cords as needed. 

For more information, visit Michigan.gov/carbonmonoxide. 

(courtesy story)

Football - 11 Man Regional Championship

D1 N/A

D2 N/A

D3

DeWitt vs. Mt. Pleasant

11/13 @ Mt. Pleasant 7pm

Mason vs. Chelsea

11/13 @ Chelsea 7pm

D4

Portland vs. GR South Christian

11/13 7pm @ South Christian

D5 N/A

D6 N/A

D7

Ithaca vs. PW 

11/13 @ PW 7pm

D8

Ubly vs. New Lothrop

11/13 7pm @ New Lothrop

Springport vs. Hudson

11/13 7pm Hudson

8 Man State Semis

Portland St Pat vs. Gaylord St Mary

11/14 @ Cadillac 12:30pm