Donor Spotlight

Michigan State Athletics has received two gift commitments from alum Dr. Anthony Muhammad (1991), and his wife, Dronda Muhammad, in support of the men's track and field program. One $50K commitment will continue to fund the Muhammad Family Endowment scholarship established in 2019, while a new gift of $50K will be named the Muhammad Family MSU Men's Track and Field Program Endowment in honor of coach James Bibbs.

Dr. Muhammad, originally from Flint, MI, is the founder of New Frontier 21, a team of consultants that focus on the development and improvement of services to educators in urban and rural areas.

“Coach James Bibbs, the former men's track and field coach at Michigan State, is one of the most influential men in my life. He gave me an opportunity to compete at the highest level of my sport, but more importantly, he taught me life lessons about being a better human being, which I have carried to this day.”

Jim Bibbs, the longest tenured track and field coach in program history from 1968-95, was the first African-American head coach at Michigan State. During Bibbs' career, his student-athletes won 52 Big Ten titles, 26 All-American honors, claimed three NCAA titles and set two world records. He was inducted into MSU Athletics Hall of Fame in 2010.

“In an age of the dominance of revenue sports like football and basketball,” said Dr. Muhammad, “I felt that it was essential to provide some support for the Olympic sports directly. The university invested in the track and field program when I was a student. As a beneficiary of that generosity as a student, it was time to give back to keep these sports vibrant and competitive.

I hope that these gifts can provide scholarship opportunities for underserved communities and students who otherwise would not get an opportunity to compete and get an education at a Big Ten-caliber institution. I also hope that the gift can provide some equipment and material support to the athletes already on the men's track and field team.”

When asked what MSU Athletics means to him and his family, Dr. Muhammad said, “MSU Athletics allowed me to earn a full-ride track and field scholarship, earn a bachelor's degree and totally change my life experience, along with my family. It also provided me with a work ethic and self-pride that I use daily, along with teammates and colleagues who have become lifelong friends.

My favorite MSU experience is to revisit the entire athletic complex and south campus. I get goosebumps walking on the track, attending an MSU football game, or attending an event at the Breslin Center. I share stories with my children as we visit campus or drive past these historic landmarks.”