MSU Board of Trustees chair said she is against Stanley’s removal

MSU Board of Trustees Chair Dianne Byrum said the move to remove President Samuel L. Stanley Jr. following discussion of his contract is misguided, according to a statement she released Monday.

In an article from The Detroit News, a source not authorized to speak to the press said Stanley was asked to retire by vice chair Dan Kelly and Byrum. Byrum’s statement today disputes this.

“In recent days, some members of the MSU Board of Trustees, for which I serve as chairperson, have created confusion over the future of our university’s president,” Byrum said in the statement. “These actions do not represent how the board of an institution of higher education should act. MSU President Samuel Stanley has led our university through many challenges in recent years and attempts to remove him from his post before his contract is complete are misguided.”

Kelly also released a statement. He said the three of them had a meeting but did not threaten Stanley with termination.

“Contrary to recent media reports, at no time was the President threatened with termination or given an ultimatum regarding his employment. The Board has made no decision regarding any change in President Stanley’s employment status nor his employment contract,” Kelly stated.

31 bullet casings found at scene of M.A.C. Avenue

Several suspects remain at large after a shooting around M.A.C. Avenue in the early hours of Sunday morning.

The East Lansing Police Department confirmed a victim was transported to a local hospital in a release today.

The victim was located near the scene with non-life-threatening injuries.

“Thirty-one bullet casings were also recovered at the scene from three separate bullet caliber guns that were used,” the release said.

“There does not appear to be an active threat to the public,” the release said.

“This is a very serious, unacceptable incident that ELPD is actively investigating. We will leave no stone unturned in uncovering what occurred and identifying the individuals involved,” ELPD Capt. Chad Pride said in a statement.

“Pitch Perfect” but better: the Acafellas

With agile notes and perfectly synchronized harmonies, the MSU Acafellas are a force to be reckoned with. The Tenor-Tenor-Bass acapella group, formed in 1996, showcases nine male singers that compete in international competitions, perform for hire at public functions and have a lot of fun doing it.

“We sing anything,” Acafellas vice president Josh Morrisey said. “A lot of our arrangements we do are written by current members and former members, we have a huge alumni base to help us out. For example, we’ve done ‘Happier’ by Marshmello because one of our alumni loved EDM. We did ‘Colder Weather’ because I’m a big country music fan.”

The award-winning organization meets for two-hour rehearsals three times a week to hone their vocal abilities. By not limiting themselves to specific genres of music, they incorporate stylistic opinions of all their members and alternate work from both well-known and underground artists.

At the International Championship of Collegiate A Capella, or ICCA, the Acafellas received awards for Best Soloist and Best Arrangement. They also placed as semi-finalists in ICCA three times during their tenure. This year they hope to make it four.

The Acafellas plan to perform at three concerts and various invitationals that arise during the season. Among their goals is improving their relationships with artists on campus, including other acapella groups.

Based on original reporting by Vivian Barrett, Wajeeha Kamal, and Dipika Rao.