The Metro: University leaders discuss impacts of federal budget cuts at Mackinac Policy Conference
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Wayne State University President Kimberly Andrews Espy speaks with WDET's Russ McNamara at the 2025 Mackinac Policy Conference on Mackinac Island.
A number of universities are worried about funding cuts that are coming from the Trump administration. That includes those in Michigan.
Wayne State University, the University of Michigan, and Michigan State University collaborate — sharing research and attracting businesses to their campuses. Late last month, Michigan Tech joined the re-branded group that’s now called Research Universities for Michigan.
At the 2025 Mackinac Policy Conference, presidents from three of the four schools spoke with WDET’s Russ McNamara: MSU President Kevin Guskiewicz, Michigan Tech President Rick Koubec and Wayne State President Kimberly Andrews Espy.
This isn’t the only way schools are collaborating. Although it’s not yet supported by administrative leadership, faculty at many Big Ten universities are advocating for their respective leadership to sign a NATO-like agreement. It would allow the universities to share attorneys and pool financial resources in case President Donald Trump’s administration targets one of them.
Use the media player above to hear the full conversation.
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