Commuting CMU faculty weigh rising gas prices against on-campus commitments
For some Central Michigan University professors, a trip to campus means weighing the cost of gas against whether the trip is necessary. As prices rise, some are skipping optional meetings and events, while others continue their long commutes despite the added expense.
Gas prices have significantly risen over the past year. When President Donald Trump took office Jan. 20, 2025, Michigan’s average price for regular gasoline was $3.15 per gallon
The national average was around $2.98 per gallon before the war with Iran began on Feb. 28, according to the Associated Press.
Prices peaked at $4.56 per gallon in May before dropping and rising again
For faculty members who drive long distances to campus, the increase adds to the cost of commuting.
Kyla Stepp, a CMU political science and public administration professor who lives in Clarkston, said her commute takes just under two hours each way. She drives about 250 miles per round trip and averages three days on campus each week.
Stepp said higher gas prices have led her to reconsider trips that are non-essential.
“There have been a few times where I would have come up here for something small, a meeting, an event, and now I just say I can’t do it,” she said.
Although Stepp drives a hybrid vehicle, she said the cost of making the trip still factors into her decisions.
“I have to ask myself, like, is it worth it for $50 or $60 to come up to this meeting?” she said. “Or can I join virtually, or just kind of ask afterwards?”
Stepp said some faculty members who commute from places such as Lansing and Grand Rapids also use virtual options for meetings when possible. Others stay in the Mount Pleasant area during the week to avoid additional travel.
Anthony Jesuale, CMU political science professor who lives in Dearborn, said rising gas prices have affected his budget but have not changed how often he comes to campus. He typically makes the trip twice a week, though meetings and other responsibilities sometimes require him to come three or four times.
“Gas prices have definitely put a dent in it, but you gotta do what you gotta do,” he said.
Jesuale said he continues to commute because he wants to be available to students and believes they should receive the in-person experience they expected when registering for classes.
“I am committed to offering the students what they paid for,” he said.
To manage costs, Jesuale said he fills up at a gas station near his home that is usually 20 to 30 cents per gallon below the state average. He has also cut back on some unnecessary purchases as expenses have increased.
The effects of higher gas prices are also apparent at local gas stations.
Danelle Blain, general manager of a Krist gas station in Mount Pleasant, said customers have complained about prices and changed how much gas they purchase.
“When the gas prices are higher, it definitely feels like they’re just putting in enough to get them to where they need to go and not actually filling their tanks,” Blain said.
Blain said the station has seen fewer customers and a decline in sales inside the store. She said some customers may be prioritizing gas over snacks and other purchases.
“Our customer count is way down,” Blain said. “I think, because people are foregoing getting snacks or treats inside to put whatever they can in their tanks.”
She also said customers appear to be driving more out of necessity than for leisure.
Like Blain’s customers, CMU faculty members are making decisions about how they spend.
While Stepp has begun skipping some optional trips to campus, Jesuale said he has not considered changing how he teaches to avoid the added costs.
