About Us

Purpose
FACT's purpose is to:

• Facilitate research and outreach efforts that meet the needs of Michigan families
• Foster innovative collaborations between MSU and communities
• Support and develop the capacity of communities to serve their citizens

Focus
FACT's focus is on Michigan families -- including children and youth -- and the communities in which they live. FACT has identified three cross-cutting areas of expertise for investment and recognition, and has funded collaborative research projects in these areas:

• Family and Community Vitality
• Family and Community Health
• Families, Communities, and Schools

Principal Goals
FACT's principal goals are:

• Facilitation of collaborative work across campus and with community partners
• Strategic investment in research, Extension and outreach efforts that meet the needs of Michigan families
• Dissemination and promotion of cutting-edge research, recent initiatives, and coalition activities

Participants
FACT is a multidisciplinary coalition of MSU faculty, MSU Extension staff from on campus and across the state, and professionals from community organizations such as government agencies, nonprofits, and foundations. FACT is a collaborative effort of the Office of the Provost, the Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station (MAES) and MSU Extension (MSUE), in partnership with University Outreach and Engagement.

FACT Advisory Board:

FACT has an advisory body of:
MSU faculty, administrators, Extension faculty, and community partners.

FACT Staff:

Janet Bokemeier, Ph.D.
Co-Director, FACT Coalition
Chair and Professor, MSU Department of Sociology
Acting Assistant Vice President to Research and Graduate Studies
Co-Chair, Family Research Initative Ph: 517-355-6632
bokemeie@msu.edu

Cheryl Booth, Ph.D.
Co-Director, FACT Coalition
State Leader, MSU Extension 4-H Youth Development
Ph: 517-355-0265
boothc@msu.edu

Julie Crowgey
FACT Administrative Assistant
Ph: 517-432-9207
fact@msu.edu

Patricia Farrell, Ph.D.
Co- Director, FACT Coalition
Senior Director, University-Community Partnerships, University Outreach & Engagement
Ph: 517-355-4572
farrellp@msu.edu