Rebecca Bahar-Cook

Rebecca Bahar-Cook

Democratic Party

Michigan State University Board of Trustees

Tenure

2025 - Present

Term ends

2033

Years in position

0

Elections and appointments

Last elected

November 5, 2024

Education

High school

West Bloomfield High School

Bachelor's

Michigan State University, 1992

Personal

Birthplace

Detroit, Mich.

Religion

Reformed Jewish

Profession

Fundraiser

Contact

Official website

Campaign website

Campaign Facebook

Campaign YouTube

Personal Facebook

Personal LinkedIn

Rebecca Bahar-Cook (Democratic Party) is an at-large member of the Michigan State University Board of Trustees. She assumed office on January 1, 2025. Her current term ends on January 1, 2033.

Bahar-Cook (Democratic Party) ran for election for an at-large seat of the Michigan State University Board of Trustees. She won in the general election on November 5, 2024.

Bahar-Cook completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. Click here to read the survey answers.

Biography

Rebecca Bahar-Cook was born in Detroit, Michigan, and lives in East Lansing, Michigan. She graduated from West Bloomfield High School. She earned a bachelor's degree from Michigan State University in 1992. Her career experience includes working as CEO of Capitol Fundraising Associates. She has also worked with various nonprofits, including Greater Lansing Food Bank, Equality Michigan, and Children’s Trust Michigan. Bahar-Cook has been affiliated with the following organizations:

• Capitol Area Michigan Works! Workforce Development Board
• Capital Regional Community Foundation
• Ingham County Board of Canvassers
• Ingham County Jury Board
• Ingham County Women’s Commission
• Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce Policy Committee
• Rotary Club of Lansing
• UoM Health Sparrow Specialty Hospital Board

Elections

2024

See also: Michigan State Board of Regents election, 2024

General election

General election for Michigan State University Board of Trustees (2 seats)

The following candidates ran in the general election for Michigan State University Board of Trustees on November 5, 2024.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Mike Balow (R)	24.9	2,491,310
✔		Rebecca Bahar-Cook (D)	24.2	2,426,171
		Julie Maday (R)	24.2	2,422,059
		Thomas Stallworth III (D)	22.6	2,262,011
	Submit photo	Grant Baker (L)	1.2	124,752
	Submit photo	Janet Sanger (U.S. Taxpayers Party)	1.1	106,346
		John Anthony La Pietra (G)	1.0	100,669
	Submit photo	John Sanger (U.S. Taxpayers Party)	0.7	73,880

---

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 10,007,198
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
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Democratic convention

Democratic convention for Michigan State University Board of Trustees (2 seats)

Rebecca Bahar-Cook and Thomas Stallworth III advanced from the Democratic convention for Michigan State University Board of Trustees on August 24, 2024.

		Candidate
✔		Rebecca Bahar-Cook (D)
✔		Thomas Stallworth III (D)

---

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified.
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Republican convention

Republican convention for Michigan State University Board of Trustees (2 seats)

Mike Balow and Julie Maday advanced from the Republican convention for Michigan State University Board of Trustees on August 24, 2024.

		Candidate
✔		Mike Balow (R)
✔		Julie Maday (R)

---

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified.
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Green convention

Green convention for Michigan State University Board of Trustees (2 seats)

John Anthony La Pietra advanced from the Green convention for Michigan State University Board of Trustees on July 27, 2024.

		Candidate
✔		John Anthony La Pietra (G)

---

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified.
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Libertarian convention

Libertarian convention for Michigan State University Board of Trustees (2 seats)

Grant Baker advanced from the Libertarian convention for Michigan State University Board of Trustees on July 20, 2024.

		Candidate
✔	Submit photo	Grant Baker (L)

---

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified.
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

U.S. Taxpayers Party convention

U.S. Taxpayers Party convention for Michigan State University Board of Trustees (2 seats)

Janet Sanger and John Sanger advanced from the U.S. Taxpayers Party convention for Michigan State University Board of Trustees on July 27, 2024.

		Candidate
✔	Submit photo	Janet Sanger (U.S. Taxpayers Party)
✔	Submit photo	John Sanger (U.S. Taxpayers Party)

---

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified.
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Endorsements

Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Bahar-Cook in this election.

Campaign themes

2024

Video for Ballotpedia

Video submitted to Ballotpedia Released September 30, 2024

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

Rebecca Bahar-Cook completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Bahar-Cook's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

Expand all | Collapse all

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I'm running for MSU Trustee because, as a proud 1992 graduate and parent of two recent graduates, I deeply care about Michigan State University and its future success. MSU has played a vital role in my life, and I am eager to give back and help shape the university’s path forward.

With 11 years of experience as an Ingham County Commissioner and leadership roles such as Board Chair for Capitol Area Michigan Works! Workforce Development Board and President of the Rotary Club of Lansing, I bring a wealth of public service experience to the table. I also serve on the Capital Regional Community Foundation Board and the UoM Health Sparrow Specialty Hospital Board. Professionally, I own a small fundraising consulting business, helping charitable organizations unlock their fundraising potential. I've had the privilege of working with a wide range of nonprofit clients, including Children’s Trust Michigan, Communities In Schools, Equality Michigan, Greater Lansing Food Bank, Michigan State University’s Michigan Political Leadership Program, and many more. My extensive experience working with nonprofits and local boards will be an asset to the university, and I am excited to work collaboratively with fellow board members, external stakeholders, and the administration to support MSU’s mission.

I am eager to bring my passion for community, public service, and education to the role of MSU Trustee. Together, we can help ensure a bright future for MSU.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

• I want to ensure that tuition remains affordable for Michigan families. Access to quality education should not be out of reach due to financial barriers, and I am committed to keeping MSU within reach for all students. By controlling tuition costs and seeking innovative funding solutions, we can make sure every qualified student has the opportunity to benefit from an MSU education without being burdened by excessive debt.
• The second key message of my campaign is that MSU must continue to hire the best and brightest minds, ensuring it remains a premier research university. We want the very best educators preparing our students for the jobs of tomorrow, and we can only achieve this if top-tier faculty members are inspired to teach and conduct groundbreaking research on our campus. Attracting and retaining world-class talent is essential to providing an exceptional education and maintaining MSU's reputation as a leader in research and innovation.
• My third key message is that MSU must do a better job of connecting our graduates—future community leaders—with opportunities to give back to Michigan. By building stronger pathways between soon-to-be graduates and the high-paying, innovative jobs available here, we can help them launch successful careers while keeping talent in our state. This benefits everyone: it strengthens our communities, boosts our economy, and secures a brighter future for Michigan. Let’s make sure our graduates know they can thrive right here at home, making a real impact for our state and its people.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am passionate about Civil Rights and Liberties, Education, Economic Development, Health and Social Welfare.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

I’ve always looked up to women political leaders like former Governor Jennifer Granholm, current Governor Gretchen Whitmer, and U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow. Their strength, resilience, and dedication to public service have been incredibly inspiring to me. I also admire leaders like former U.S. Senator Carl Levin and U.S. Representative John Dingell because they never lost sight of why they were elected—to serve the people. Their focus on improving the lives of everyday Michiganders is a reminder of what true leadership is about: making a difference in the lives of those you represent.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

I believe the most important characteristics of an elected official are a willingness to listen to all sides of an argument, being ethical, and demonstrating honesty. It’s essential to approach every issue with an open mind, ensuring that all voices are heard and respected before making a decision. Ethics and honesty are the foundation of trust, and I am committed to upholding these values in every action I take.

Equally important are civility and a willingness to collaborate. Productive dialogue requires treating others with respect, even when we disagree. Collaboration is key to finding solutions that work for everyone, and I am dedicated to working alongside colleagues and stakeholders to achieve the best outcomes.
Accountability and transparency are crucial in serving the public effectively. I hold myself and others accountable to maintain the public's trust, ensuring that our actions align with our commitments. Transparency is essential to this, as it allows constituents to see the decision-making process and understand the reasons behind our actions. I believe in setting a high standard for myself and expecting the same from those I work with, always striving to serve the people with integrity and openness.

Additionally, having a strong sense of empathy is crucial for an elected official. Understanding the diverse needs and challenges faced by the community is key to making informed and compassionate decisions. By valuing empathy, transparency, and accountability, I am committed to being a leader who truly represents and serves the people.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

I believe I possess several qualities that would make me a successful officeholder. First, I have a strong willingness to do the work—this means actively engaging with university faculty and staff, students, alumni and community stakeholders. I will thoroughly prepare for board meetings by reading and understanding all materials so that I can successfully participate in meetings of the board. I'm also a caring and empathetic listener, which is essential for understanding the needs and concerns of the university community and Michigan's citizens. I value collaboration and will approach every situation with civility. Finally, I have a deep desire to give back to an institution that has significantly impacted my life and the State of Michigan. My dedication and passion for MSU will drive me to work tirelessly for its success.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

MSU Trustees serve as stewards of the university’s mission and resources, making decisions that impact the institution's future and ensuring its continued success. Core responsibilities include:

1. Shaping the long-term vision and strategic goals of the university, ensuring alignment with the institution's mission of education, research, and public service.
2. Approving the university’s budget, overseeing financial health, and ensuring that resources are allocated effectively.
3. Hiring the university president and evaluating their performance.
4. Overseeing adherence to laws, policies, and regulations, promoting ethical standards, transparency, and accountability throughout the university by approving key policies that guide the university's operations.
5. Serving as ambassadors for MSU, representing the university’s interests to stakeholders, including the state government, alumni, donors, and the broader public. They also work to strengthen MSU's relationships with the community, policymakers, and industry partners.
6. Ensuring the quality of education and research at MSU by promoting initiatives that enhance the academic experience for students, recruit and retain top faculty, and improve campus facilities.
7. Approving major projects, such as new academic programs, construction projects, and initiatives that impact the future of the university, making sure they align with MSU's priorities and values.

8. Ensuring a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment for students, promoting student success both academically and in their personal development.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I want to leave a legacy of making Michigan State University more accessible, inclusive, and impactful for all. I hope my efforts contribute to keeping tuition affordable, attracting world-class faculty, and ensuring that every student—regardless of background—has the opportunity to succeed. I want to be remembered for strengthening connections between graduates and career opportunities in Michigan, helping to retain talent in our state. Ultimately, my goal is to help build an environment where MSU students, faculty, and staff thrive, and where the university continues to serve as a leader in education, research, and community engagement.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

The first historical event I remember is the nation's bicentennial celebration in 1976. I was in elementary school in Detroit, and I can still picture myself in the special red, white, and blue outfit my mother hand-sewed for me to wear in the parade. It was an incredible experience, filled with excitement and pride as we celebrated something so much bigger than ourselves—a moment that brought the entire nation together. Even now, I can feel the joy of being part of such a grand celebration, surrounded by people all united in honoring our country’s history.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

I was a dish washer at a Chinese restaurant where I worked for about two months before getting a job at Olga's Kitchen where I worked for several years while in high school and as a student at MSU.

What is your favorite book? Why?

I love to read and it is hard to pick just one book, but I really enjoyed The Stationary Shop by Marjan Kamali. It is a beautifully written story about love found, lost and found again. The story begins during the Iranian revolution in 1979 and I enjoyed learning about that historical period and what it was like for those left in Iran and those who left the country.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

If I could be any character from fiction, it would be Captain Kathryn Janeway, from Star Trek: Voyager. She broke barriers by being the first female captain in the Star Trek universe but what I admire most is that she did so with compassion for her crew while never compromising her values. She was a mentor to others and worked collaboratively while understanding that ultimately the fate of those on board was up to the decisions that she made. I admire her leadership skills, kindness, and empathy.

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

You Make My Dreams Come True by Hall and Oats.

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

Losing both of my parents early in life has been one of my greatest struggles. My father passed away when I was just 16, and my mother died when I was 29. Facing so many milestones—like having children, buying a home, and starting a business—without them by my side has often felt overwhelming. There have been countless moments when I wished they were there to guide me through the challenges or share in my successes.

What I've learned from this struggle is the importance of leaning on others for support. I've realized that even though my parents aren't here, I can still find guidance from the people around me—family, friends, mentors, and colleagues. Their insights and perspectives have helped me navigate life's challenges and have shown me the power of community and connection. If there's one thing I've taken away, it's that we don't have to face our struggles alone; there are always people willing to help us if we let them in.

Tell us your favorite joke.

Why did the cookie go to the hospital? It was feeling crummy.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

AFSCME

AFT Michigan
Governor Gretchen Whitmer
Hon. Curtis Hertel
Hon. Kara Hope
Hon. Kerry Ebersole Singh and Hon. Sam Singh
Hon. Kristen McDonald Rivet
Hon. Larry Owen
Hon. Penelope Tsernoglou
Hon. Sarah Anthony
Hon. Todd Tennis
Erin and Hon. Andy Schor
IBEW
Janet and Hon. Jim Blanchard
MEA
Michigan AFL-CIO
Michigan Democratic Party
Planned Parenthood of Michigan
SEIU
Teamsters
The Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters and Millwrights
UAW

UFCW Local 951

Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

Campaign website

Rebecca Bahar-Cook's campaign website stated the following:

“

I believe in a future where hope drives progress and where MSU reflects the values of dignity, respect, and opportunity for all. I’m running to create a future where students aren’t burdened by crushing loan debt, where collaboration and civility are the standard for Trustees, administration, and all stakeholders. A future where student workers, faculty, and staff don’t have to fight for fair wages—they already have them. We will keep our campus safe, so no parent receives a heartbreaking message during a crisis. And MSU will recommit to its roots in community service, teaching students the power of giving back. This is my vision for MSU, and I humbly ask for your vote this November.

”

Campaign finance summary

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Michigan State University Board of Trustees

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Michigan State University Board of Trustees

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