Employee Spotlight - Shelly Halstead

The March 2025 employee spotlight is on Shelly Halstead, the Accounts Receivable Administrator for the Cash Management Team with MSU Finance.

Spartan for Life: Shelly Halstead’s Journey through MSU Finance

The first time Shelly set foot on campus, it was love at first sight. As a high school senior touring the sprawling grounds, she was captivated by the beauty and energy surrounding her. That initial visit sparked a journey that has now spanned nearly 35 years—a journey filled with growth, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to the Spartan community.

After being accepted into MSU, she earned her bachelor's degree from the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. Not long after graduating, she returned to campus—this time as an employee at the Veterinary Medical Center. Her path eventually led her to the Controller's Office, where she has held roles in Student Accounts, Payroll, and Contract and Grant Administration (CGA). Today, she serves as the Accounts Receivable (AR) Administrator for the Cash Management Team, ensuring that MSU's payments are accurately identified and processed.

"This beautiful campus and the people are what keep me here," she reflects. "Spartan for life!"

Her workday begins with a familiar mission: "I look for the money and get it where it needs to go!" She monitors payments from the State of Michigan and Bank of America, locates and identifies banking information for line-of-credit draws and invoice payments, and processes cash receipts for incoming checks. Each day presents new challenges—especially when payments arrive without clear identifying information. While the puzzle of matching payments to the correct accounts can be frustrating, the reward comes when all the pieces fall into place. In these moments, her collaboration with the Cashier’s Office, Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP), University Advancement, and other departments is essential.

Team dynamics play a significant role in her professional satisfaction. With eight years of experience working alongside her current CGA team, she describes their bond as one of mutual trust and respect. "My manager understands where I am on my career path and respects it. We work together well, we get the job done—and thank goodness, they make me laugh," she says, acknowledging how stability within her team has made a difference, particularly in a remote work environment.

Her approach to work is grounded in lessons learned from her upbringing in Sterling Heights. Raised by a hardworking mother who instilled in her the value of excellence, she carries that lesson to this day: "Strive to be the best at whatever job you're doing—whether it's cleaning kennels or working in an office." This mindset has served her well throughout her MSU career and continues to drive her commitment to excellence.

Beyond the numbers and the processes, her time at MSU has been filled with memorable moments. One of the most unusual? A duckling rescue mission. While working in the Student Accounts Office, she and her colleagues noticed a brood of ducklings stranded on the roof over the building's back entrance. With the mother duck in a panic, she sprang into action. Carefully herding the ducklings down the handicap ramp to safety, she may have startled a few Registrar Office employees along the way—but her manager, an animal lover, fully supported her impromptu wildlife rescue.

When asked what advice she would offer to new team members, she keeps it simple and practical: "Pay attention, and don't be afraid to ask questions. Learn from your mistakes, but don't dwell on them. Be dedicated to your work, but don't let it consume you." She also emphasizes the importance of maintaining professional relationships, echoing a piece of career advice she's never forgotten: "Don't burn bridges."

As she reflects on her time at MSU, it’s clear her journey has been about more than just the work. It’s about the people, the place, and the values that bind the Spartan community together. With decades of experience and a heart full of Spartan pride, her story is a testament to the lasting impact of dedication and the power of finding a place to call home.

###