Finance Office
Office of Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, and Treasurer
Emily Farrell stepped into the vibrant world of MSU Finance and the Office of the Executive Vice President for Administration in May of 2022, bringing with her a passion for community and a knack for creative communication. Having spent three years as the communications coordinator for Lansing Parks and Recreation, Emily was no stranger to the pulse of the greater Lansing area. Growing up just an hour from MSU, she is well-acquainted with the university’s legacy – its triumphs, its challenges, and its undeniable impact. Despite growing up a Michigan fan, Emily was excited to join the MSU community. “I knew what a great opportunity it was to be part of such a strong culture that constantly drives impact across the globe,” she reflects.
Starting as part of a two-person team alongside Lauren Scott-Briningstool, Emily dove into the trenches, laying the groundwork for what would become a dynamic shared service communications team. Over the past three years, her role has evolved, her confidence has grown, and she’s embraced the chance to support two executive leaders in a fast-paced environment. “The people are what keep me here,” she says. “Even in moments of burnout or cravings for change, the smiles, the collaboration, the culture—it’s so special.”
Emily’s days are anything but predictable, and that’s just how she likes it. Juggling responsibilities for both Finance and the Executive Vice President for Administration (EVPA), she tackles an array of creative projects with enthusiasm. From designing PowerPoint templates and flyers to crafting visuals for finance TV monitors and headshots, Emily’s work touches every corner of the office. “I love that each day could be an entirely new project for someone I work with often or someone new,” she shares. Building relationships across the team has been a highlight, making every project a chance to connect and create.
The proximity to MSU’s high-stakes mission can feel daunting at times, but Emily sees it as both a challenge and a reward. “We’re all doing important work for a world-renowned university,” she says. “It comes with a little anxiety, but that’s also what makes it empowering. The work we do matters and contributes to the greater good.” For Emily, success is defined by consistent, strong branding that reflects MSU’s ethos—embodied in the iconic Beaumont Tower, a symbol that reminds Spartans to reach higher and strive for excellence. Success also means positive feedback on clarity, professionalism, and visual appeal, as well as seeing her templates and designs adopted across the Finance unit. “The objective is to create visuals that strengthen the effectiveness of Finance communication,” she explains, ensuring teams feel supported and well-represented.
Collaboration is at the heart of Emily’s vision for the Finance Office. She encourages teams to utilize the communications team’s intake form for all support needs, from graphics to broader communication strategies. “If there are assets or templates you’re interested in producing, let us know!” she urges. She also advocates for strategic partnerships and proactive meetings to integrate communications more deeply into large initiatives, like annual finance reports or future campaigns. Forming small, cross-functional groups with representatives from design, writing, and finance units could streamline efforts and amplify impact.
Eager to grow, Emily is excited about diving deeper into data visualization training. “It’s not just about my own skill development,” she says. “It’s about presenting complex information more clearly and effectively, especially in PowerPoint decks and reports.” She sees this as a way to elevate the Finance unit’s storytelling and strengthen collaboration through streamlined feedback cycles.
If given the chance to swap roles for a day, Emily’s choice is clear: Lynn Lee. “Lynn is a powerhouse,” Emily says, admiring her colleague’s strategic thinking, people skills, and ability to keep projects on track with grace. “Spending a day in her shoes would be a masterclass in leadership and multitasking. There’s so much I could learn from how she navigates complex tasks and makes everyone feel supported.”
Through her creativity, dedication, and collaborative spirit, Emily Farrell is leaving her mark on MSU Finance, one project at a time. Her work not only enhances the unit’s visual identity but also fosters a sense of connection and purpose, proving that even in the fast-paced world of finance, it’s the people and the culture that truly make the difference.
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