Michigan State President Kevin Guskiewicz Is Staying After All

With a bit of a surprise turn from Michigan State University President Kevin Guskiewicz, it turns out he is not leaving East Lansing after all.

Kevin Guskiewicz Is Staying At Michigan State

Guskiewicz had previously announced in May that he planned to leave MSU to become the next president of Clemson University in South Carolina. Now, after several weeks of discussion, questions and some uncertainty, he says he is staying with Michigan State.

Why The MSU President Had Planned To Leave

In a letter to the MSU community, Guskiewicz said the past few weeks gave him time to reflect on his commitment to the university and the future that is being built at MSU. He said he and his wife, Amy, kept coming back to just one thing: they both love Michigan State, and it has become home for their family.

Leadership Tension At Michigan State

This decision comes after a pretty rocky stretch involving leadership questions and tension with the MSU Board of Trustees. When Guskiewicz originally announced he was leaving, he pointed to governance concerns and said the situation had become unstable.

What Changed Before His Decision

Now, he says productive conversations have taken place with board leadership, including talks about strengthening governance at the university. He also apologized for adding to the uncertainty, saying trust has to be earned through consistency, transparency and action.

What Happens Next For MSU

The MSU Board of Trustees confirmed that no additional formal action is needed for him to remain president. The board has already approved negotiations for an amendment to his current contract, and Guskiewicz will remain in the role with a $1.5 million salary.

Board Chair Brianna Scott said she is pleased with the decision and had asked him to reconsider when he first announced he was leaving.