Meet your new MSU DPPS Community Liaison Coordinators
September 28, 2023
EAST LANSING, Mich. --- The Michigan State University Department of Police and Public Safety (DPPS) is excited to introduce its new Community Liaison Coordinators. This team of individuals will work to engage with members of the Spartan community while advancing the mission of MSU DPPS. You can meet the team below.
Jaclyn Sayen, Lead Community Liaison Coordinator
Office Location: Main Library, Room W120A
Background: Bachelor’s degree in hospitality and tourism management from Grand Valley State University; Master of Arts in Education from Michigan State University
Favorite College Class: Leadership and Organizational Development
Previous Roles: Food services for the Lansing Lugnuts and MSU Concessions; Environmental Health and Safety Inspector for MSU’s Division of Student Life and Engagement
Goals: Broaden perspective and help other MSU DPPS employees showcase their passions to Spartan community
What Led Jaci to MSU: “I came to MSU for the chance to build community and connect with Spartans on campus.”
What Jaci Wants People to Know About Her Role: “Through community engagement, we intentionally create interactions that build and strengthen trusting relationships and give those we serve a glimpse at our humanity, vulnerability, passion, and values. I’m looking forward to sharing that through my role.”
Contact: SayenJ@dpps.msu.edu
Jessamy Brosnan, Community Liaison Coordinator
Office Location: Brody Hall, Room 125 (Brody Neighborhood)
Background: Associate’s degree in liberal arts with a minor in human services from Vermont College; Graduate of the Institute of Integrative Nutrition NYC; Integrative Wellness Practitioner; Certified Professional in Human Resources from the HR Certification Institute; Yoga Alliance 200hr Registered Yoga Teacher
Favorite College Class: Anthropology
Previous Roles: Community engagement, human resources, communications, wellness
Goals: Education, empowerment, and connection
What Led Jessamy to MSU: “I believe in partnering with organizations whose mission, vision, and values align with my own. My passion for making a difference combined with MSU’s living mission to transform lives through education, research, outreach, and engagement feels like a match made in heaven!”
What Jessamy Wants People to Know About Her Role: “It is through the power of connection that learning happens. In my role, I am excited to partner with my Spartan community to bring education, awareness, and authenticity to our daily lives. My door is ALWAYS open. I cannot wait to meet everyone!”
Contact: BrosnanJ@dpps.msu.edu
Wasenka Hewage, Community Liaison Coordinator
Office Location: MSU Union, Room 61 (River Trail Neighborhood)
Background: Bachelor's degree in psychology from Michigan State University
Favorite College Class: Community Psychology
Previous Roles: Community Mental Health
Goals: Inclusivity, relationship building and empowerment
What Led Wasenka to MSU: “My journey in community engagement began with a strong commitment to try to make MSU as inclusive as possible. Over the years, I have honed my skills in relationship building and communication, which are crucial for effective community outreach and collaboration.”
What Wasenka Wants People to Know About Her Role: “I believe that successful community engagement is rooted in active listening, empathy, and a genuine commitment to addressing the unique needs of each community. I will work hard to ensure that the voices of community members are heard and respected.”
Contact: HewageW@dpps.msu.edu
Mike McGinnis, Community Liaison Coordinator
Office Location: Holmes Hall, Room C-115 (East Neighborhood)
Background: Bachelor’s degree from Saginaw Valley State University; Master of Arts in Administration from Central Michigan University; Master of Arts in Higher Education Administration from Central Michigan University; currently ABD in pursuit of a PhD in Higher Education at the University of Toledo
Favorite College Class: The History of Higher Education and Student Development Theory
Previous Roles: Accounting Clerk at Sparty’s; Student Service Advisor at Central Michigan University; Associate Dean of Student Affairs at Lansing Community College
Goals: Encourage healthy and safe practices on campus for students, faculty, and staff; help students succeed
What Led Mike to MSU: “Look around you, who wouldn’t want to be here?! MSU is a beautiful place full of incredible students, staff, and faculty. It’s an honor to come to work here each day and I look to learn something new each day.”
What Mike Wants People to Know About His Role: “Know that I am here to help! I may not always have an immediate answer, but I am going to listen and will get you an answer. I am excited to be on campus and work with DPPS and our campus community.”
Contact: McGinnisM@dpps.msu.edu
Donnie Sams, Community Liaison Coordinator
Office Location: Student Services Building, Suite 113, Room 126
Background: Organizational Leadership, Trine University
Favorite College Class: Recognizing and Mitigating Unconscious Biases
Previous Roles: Operation Manager at Sparty’s Retail Shop; Assistant Concession Manager
Goals: Build relationships with Spartan community
What Led Donnie to MSU: “I began working at MSU as a student in 2002. Over the course of my career, I have had people help me to become the person that I am. I enjoy being given the opportunity to do the same for others.”
What Donnie Wants People to Know About His Role: "I have previously been tasked with organizing interviews, facilitating hiring endeavors, and facilitating the onboarding process for new staff members within my former roles. These experiences have given me a unique insight into the MSU student experience and the needs of community partners.”
Contact: SamsD@dpps.msu.edu
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Media Contact:
Dana Whyte, Communications Manager and Spokesperson, Michigan State University Department of Police and Public Safety
517-282-3711 | WhyteD@dpps.msu.edu