The Board of Trustees today announced that Kevin M. Guskiewicz, Ph.D., will stay in his position as president of Michigan State University.
“President Guskiewicz has been transformational for Michigan State University over the past two years, and we are pleased to confirm that he has decided to stay and continue to chart a course forward for our institution,” said Chair Brianna Scott. “When he initially told me he was leaving, I asked him to consider rethinking his decision. I am so happy that he did! I always knew that his heart was with MSU.”
At the end of May, Guskiewicz announced his plan to move on from Michigan State University for a leadership position at Clemson University in South Carolina. While the board acknowledged Guskiewicz’s intention to leave MSU, trustees had not yet outlined a transition plan or appointed an interim president. At an informal meeting today, the chair informed the board that Guskiewicz will remain as president and that he has formally withdrawn his letter of resignation.
Guskiewicz communicated his decision to stay at Michigan State University to students, faculty, staff and alumni through a community letter sent earlier today.
“After much thought, countless conversations and careful consideration, I have decided to remain at Michigan State University and continue serving as your president,” Guskiewicz wrote. “When I came to Michigan State, I did so because I believed deeply in the promise of this university and in the people who make it exceptional. Over the past two years, that belief has only grown stronger. Every day, I have the privilege of witnessing the remarkable work of our faculty, staff, students, alumni and supporters. I have seen lives transformed through education, discoveries that improve our world and a community that continually rises to meet challenges with resilience, compassion and purpose.”
The Board of Trustees is supportive of Guskiewicz’s decision to stay, and no additional formal action is required by the body for him to continue as president of Michigan State University. By a resolution passed at the special board meeting in May, the board previously approved the negotiation of an amendment to the president’s current contract. President Guskiewicz will remain in his position with a salary of $1.5 million.
Budget and Finance Committee Chair Sandy Pierce reiterated that the increase in the president’s salary would not come from the university’s general fund but is being pursued through non-university resources.
