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Real Estate Leasing Policy Reminder - Spring 2025

Real Estate Leasing Policy Reminder - Spring 2025

 

Subject: UPL Reorganization and Leadership Transition

April 18, 2025

Campus partners, 

I’m writing to share two important updates regarding University Procurement and Logistics (UPL): the upcoming reorganization of the unit and the retirement of Kristin Demir, associate vice president and chief procurement officer.

During Kristin’s time at MSU, she focused UPL’s efforts on compliance, innovation, cost avoidance, and enhancing MSU’s academic mission through effective procurement operations. Her leadership was especially critical during COVID-19, when she established a Supply Chain Analytics team to secure essential lab and protective equipment. We’re grateful for her service to MSU. To support continuity during this transition, Lynn Croze will serve as interim associate vice president and chief procurement officer. We appreciate her leadership and partnership during this time.

The reorganization, effective July 1, 2025, aims to align UPL operations with the university’s evolving needs, address the unit’s operating deficit, and support long-term financial sustainability. Our top priorities are to maintain essential services, implement changes thoughtfully, and promote organizational stability.

At this time, there are no changes to how you or your teams engage with UPL—business should continue as usual. The reorganization will take effect on July 1, 2025, with a focus on stabilizing operations in the months leading up to that date. Cross-functional implementation teams will be established to develop integration plans and share regular updates to ensure a smooth transition and keep campus partners informed of any evolving or changing processes.

Key realignments include: 

  • Procurement and Payment Systems will move to Finance, consolidating purchase-to-payment processes to improve accuracy, control, and compliance. 
  • Capital Asset Management will shift to the Office of Audit, Risk, and Compliance, strengthening oversight and aligning with risk management practices. 
  • Supply Chain Fulfillment will be reassigned to Infrastructure, Planning and Facilities (IPF) to optimize logistics, warehousing, and mail services for greater operational efficiency. 
  • Supply Chain Analytics and Systems Governance will transition to MSU Information Technology Services (ITS) to better integrate data systems, improve analytics, and enhance systems governance. 
  • UPL Retail Websites will move to Residential and Hospitality Services (RHS) to align retail services with hospitality functions and deliver a cohesive customer experience (shop.msu.edu).  

Once again, your teams should continue with existing processes as usual. If you have any questions or wish to discuss any aspects of this transition, please contact upl.help@msu.edu.

Thank you for your continued partnership and support.

Vennie Gore 
Executive Vice President for Administration