Julie Maday Will Seek Michigan State Board Seat
The former Novi City Council member is running for a position on the Michigan State University Board of Trustees.
Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in Higher Education
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Republican candidate Julie Maday is running for one of two seats available on the Michigan State University Board of Trustees this November. Voters will select from candidates on the statewide ballot during the general election on Nov. 3, 2026.
Why it matters
The board oversees administrative, budgetary, and strategic decisions at Michigan State University, including recent controversial policy changes and high-level compensation packages. Trustees hold significant influence over the institution's direction as it manages tuition costs and internal governance.
The board currently manages a university that recently implemented a 3.99% tuition increase. Additionally, the university leadership approved a $1 million raise for President Kevin Guskiewicz alongside recent general fund cuts of 3% this year.
The players
Julie Maday
She is a Republican candidate for the board who previously served as a member of the Novi City Council.
Kevin Guskiewicz
He is the President of Michigan State University who received a $1 million raise.
Mike Balow
He is a member of the Michigan State University Board of Trustees who was censured by the board.
Rema Vassar
She is a member of the Michigan State University Board of Trustees who was censured by the board.
The details
The Board of Trustees consists of eight members who serve eight-year terms, with two seats up for election every two years. Candidates are chosen by state party conventions in the spring to run in the November general election, where voters can select up to two individuals.
Timeline
May 17, 2026: The board approved a new ethics code.
June 12, 2026: Members Mike Balow and Rema Vassar were censured by the board.
September 2026: The State News reported on the split among board members.
November 3, 2026: The general election for board seats occurs.
Roadmap
The upcoming election takes place against the backdrop of the Michigan State University Board of Trustees' 2026 ethics code, which was introduced to standardize governance. This move follows a period of internal division that has seen board members censured and raised questions regarding institutional oversight.
Residents and students will be directly affected by the board's decisions regarding tuition hikes, which rose by 3.99% this year. These trustees also determine the university's budget priorities, including how to manage general fund cuts that impact campus services and faculty support.
The takeaway
The composition of the Board of Trustees directly impacts the university's financial trajectory and its internal management culture. Voters interested in institutional accountability should consider how the candidates plan to balance tuition costs with administrative spending.
What happens next
The general election for the two board seats is scheduled to take place on November 3, 2026.
Further reading
Explore the latest developments in Higher Education policies across Michigan.
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