A blend of intellect and community service marked the annual Michigan Road Scholars Tour, where University of Michigan faculty and staff ventured beyond their campuses to engage with local communities across the state. This five-day immersive experience offered a rare opportunity for participants to connect with diverse sectors, fostering a deeper understanding of Michigan’s unique challenges and how the university can contribute.
The tour, rooted in the university’s commitment to serving Michigan, included stops to visit nonprofits, governmental bodies, businesses, and tribal organizations. Though densely packed, these encounters barely scratched the surface of insights available in each location, ranging from Monroe to Detroit, and as far north as St. Ignace. Each stop was an opportunity for dialogue — and often a reminder of the need for more extensive university support.
The inception of the 2026 tour traces back to late 2025, when over 100 applicants expressed interest. Following a rigorous selection process, 30 faculty members gathered for their first meeting in March. Provost Laurie McCauley, addressing the group, highlighted the importance of their role in representing the university to the wider Michigan community.
As the tour commenced, participants like Mark Rivett, who finally joined the tour after nearly a decade with the organizing unit, witnessed firsthand the impact of this outreach. Guided by veteran tour leader Dana Sitzler, the tour underscored the university’s mission beyond its traditional geographic confines of Ann Arbor, Flint, and Dearborn. Sitzler, who has championed the tour for two decades, emphasized the necessity of immersing university personnel in the broader state context.
Exploring Michigan’s Diverse Landscape
The tour made nearly 20 stops, each offering a unique perspective through presentations from officials, educators, healthcare providers, and business leaders. The insights gained were both enlightening and revealing, highlighting a gap between the university’s educational role and its broader mission to serve the state. While community members acknowledged the importance of educating their youth, there was an evident desire for the university to engage more actively in local challenges.
During inter-site travels, conversations among the scholars revolved around practical solutions to bridge geographic and cultural gaps. The pressing question was, “How can we help?” — a query that transcended academic confines and sought real-world applications of university expertise to benefit communities across Michigan.
Libby McGaughey, a colleague of Rivett and an advocate for the university’s legislative initiatives, addressed the participants on the tour’s final day in Lansing. She provided insights into ongoing state budget discussions and invited scholars to leverage their expertise in shaping policy. McGaughey’s office in Lansing serves as a critical link between the university’s resources and state governance, underscoring the importance of maintaining robust channels of communication and support.
Recognizing Efforts Behind the Scenes
The tour’s success was made possible by the dedication of individuals like Michael Rein, LaSonia Forte, and Dana Sitzler, who meticulously coordinated the itinerary and logistics. As the tour concluded, Rivett captured a photograph of the team, acknowledging their significant contributions to this educational and collaborative journey.
Sitzler’s upcoming retirement marks the end of an era for the Road Scholars program, yet her legacy of fostering university-community engagement endures. Rivett, reflecting on his experience, realized the profound value of the tour — not only in rediscovering his home state but in witnessing the proactive efforts of university personnel to address societal issues.
At a time when global news often paints a grim picture, the Michigan Road Scholars Tour serves as a beacon of optimism, showcasing a collective of dedicated individuals whose first instinct is to understand challenges. Their immediate follow-up question remains, “How can we help?”
