Empowering persistence. Supporting success.
The Pathways Persistence Programs in MSU’s Office of Undergraduate Education are designed to help students stay the course, overcome challenges, and excel. Our cohort programs—Bailey Scholars Program, Dow STEM Scholars, First-Generation Leadership & Innovation (FLI) Vanderploeg Scholars, Residential Initiative on the Study of the Environment (RISE), and TRIO Student Support Services—offer academic support, mentorship, and career-building opportunities to help students thrive at MSU.
Our Values
- Belonging – Every student matters and deserves to feel valued.
- Culture of Care – We lead with empathy and connection.
- Resilience – Challenges make us stronger. We persist.
- Accountability – We take responsibility and create solutions.
- Trust – Together, we build a supportive community.
- Culture of Care – We lead with empathy and connection.
- Advocacy – We speak up and drive change.
- Respect – We honor differences and foster dignity.
Meet our Team
Pathways Persistence Programs Administration
Heather D. Shea, Ph.D. (she/her)
Director, Pathways Persistence Programs
hshea@msu.edu
Angela Sharpe-Parker
Pathways Persistence Programs Office Manager
pathwayprograms@msu.edu
Bailey Scholars Program
Dr. Sarah Prior (she/they)
Associate Professor & Undergraduate Program Director (Sociology) / Director, Bailey Scholars Program
Dustin DuFort Petty (he/him)
Academic Advisor and Undergraduate Learning Coordinator
Bailey Scholars Program
The Bailey Scholars Program is a unique opportunity to learn through community. It is a program of possibility and potential, where we aid you in your pursuit of your learning interests.
Dow STEM Scholars Program
Dow STEM Scholars Program
Academic and social support services to incoming MSU students (US Residents-Only), who want to pursue a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics) major.
FLI Vanderploeg Scholars
Marlene Villa (she/her/ella)
Program Coordinator for First-Generation Student Success
FLI Vanderploeg Scholars
First-Generation Leadership and Innovation (FLI) Vanderploeg Scholars program provides first-generation college students at MSU with access to development opportunities.
Residential Initiative on the Study of the Environment (RISE)
Residential Initiative on the Study of the Environment (RISE)
RISE is an interdisciplinary living-learning program focused on sustainability and environmental stewardship.
TRIO Student Support Services (SSS)
TRIO SSS
Supporting first-gen, income-eligible and/or students with disabilities,
TRIO SSS aims to foster an inclusive and supportive environment where every student can access the resources they need.