1980-1989

• 1980 - College of Nursing established
• 1980 - Elizabeth Yamashita becomes chair and first woman to direct the School of Journalism.
• 1980 - Seven campus buildings were designated historical sites
• 1981 - Communication Arts Building opens
• 1981 - The Minorities in Journalism program is established and includes Focal Point, a student newspaper
• 1981 - Native American Institute was established to aid North American Indian organizations
• 1981 - The Women's Athletic Department joins the NCAA
• 1982 - Wharton Center for the Performing Arts Opens
• 1982 - MSU alum James Blanchard was elected Michigan's Governor
• 1984 - Major New Athletic Facilities approved
• March 29, 1986 - Spartans win NCAA Ice Hockey Championship
• 1987 - MSU Astronomer Susan Simkin was part of team to discover the largest galaxy known at the time.
• 1988 - MSU Wins Rose Bowl
• 1989 - Julian Samora Research Institute was established to be the premier research institute committed to the generation, transmission, and application of knowledge to serve the needs of Latino communities in the Midwest