EAST LANSING, Mich. – Michigan State University President Kevin Guskiewicz has reversed his decision to leave the university and will remain in his role, weeks after announcing he would become Clemson University’s next president.
The university announced Monday (July 6) that Guskiewicz decided to stay at Michigan State for personal reasons, ending weeks of uncertainty over the school’s leadership.
In a letter to the Spartan community, Guskiewicz said he reached the decision after “much thought, countless conversations and careful consideration.”
“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.
Guskiewicz, who became Michigan State’s president in 2024, said his family’s attachment to the university ultimately led him to remain in East Lansing.
“As Amy and I reflected on the possibility of leaving, we kept returning to one simple truth: We love this university,” he wrote. “This place has become home to our family. The people, the mission, and the opportunity to make a lasting difference here mean more to us than we can adequately express.”
In his letter, Guskiewicz acknowledged the uncertainty his decision created for the university community.
“I recognize that some members of our community may have questions about my commitment,” he wrote. “Our university has experienced more than its share of change in recent years, and I regret that my decision-making over the past several weeks added to that uncertainty. For that, I am sincerely sorry.”
He said rebuilding trust would require more than words.
“Trust is not restored through words alone. It is earned through consistency, transparency and action,” Guskiewicz wrote. “My commitment is to continue showing up every day with energy, humility and purpose.”
Guskiewicz also cited productive discussions with the university’s Board of Trustees about governance concerns he had previously raised.
He thanked Board Chair Brianna Scott and Vice Chair Renee Knake Jefferson for their leadership, saying the board has committed to implementing a stronger governance structure, including recent improvements to its code of ethics and conduct.
“I remain committed to working alongside every trustee and every member of our community who is focused on moving Michigan State forward,” he wrote.
Guskiewicz said the support he received from trustees, faculty, students, alumni, donors and staff helped shape his decision.
“Your support, counsel, honest feedback and belief in Michigan State’s future reinforced what has always made Michigan State special: people here care deeply about this university and about one another,” he wrote.
He closed the letter by emphasizing stability and collaboration as guiding principles for the university’s future.
“Stability matters. Trust matters. Collaboration matters,” Guskiewicz wrote. “Serving as president of Michigan State is one of the greatest honors of my professional life. I am grateful for the opportunity to continue this journey with you.”
The Detroit Regional Chamber is delighted that our state will continue to benefit from the leadership, perspective, and innovation mindset of Kevin Guskiewicz at the helm of Michigan State University.
While we celebrate this news, the Chamber remains concerned about the governance model of our three largest R1 universities.
It should not be this difficult to retain world-class leadership at our most prestigious public universities.
Chamber leadership looks forward to President Guskiewicz’s leadership in our higher education system and on the Detroit Regional Chamber Board of Directors.
Instability in our R1 university leadership remains an unaddressed issue, and the Chamber will continue its push with policymakers and opinion-makers to reform this critical system."
Sandy K. Baruah, President and Chief Executive Officer, Detroit Regional Chamber