EAST LANSING, MI — Michigan State University President Kevin Guskiewicz will ditch a move to Clemson University and now stay put at the East Lansing school.
The shocking about face came to light late Monday. Guskiewicz had announced in June he was leaving Spartan country for the ACC school.
Guskiewicz today released a letter to his Spartan family with details of his decision to stay. It’s printed here in its entirety:
Dear Spartan community,
Over the past several weeks, there has been considerable discussion and speculation about the future of Michigan State University and what another leadership transition could mean for this extraordinary institution. I know this period has created uncertainty and raised important questions across our community. It also prompted a period of deep personal reflection about my own commitment to Michigan State and the future we are building together.
After much thought, countless conversations and careful consideration, I have decided to remain at Michigan State University and continue serving as your president.
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.
As Amy and I reflected on the possibility of leaving, we kept returning to one simple truth: we love this university. 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.
I recognize that some members of our community may have questions about my commitment. That is understandable. 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.
Trust is not restored through words alone. It is earned through consistency, transparency and action. My commitment is to continue showing up every day with energy, humility and purpose — to listen carefully, engage openly and lead in a way that reflects the values of this university and the confidence you place in me.
Michigan State is more than an institution; it is a community united by a shared purpose and strengthened by our proud land-grant mission. That mission has never felt more important. The opportunities before us are extraordinary. Together, we will continue elevating academic excellence, expanding the impact of our research enterprise, supporting student success, strengthening partnerships across Michigan and beyond and ensuring that generations of future Spartans have the opportunity to pursue an education that changes lives. These are long-term commitments, and I firmly believe our best days are still ahead. I want to help build that future alongside all of you — as One Team.
During the past several weeks, under the strong leadership of Board Chair Brianna Scott and Vice Chair Renee Knake Jefferson, we have had productive conversations about the governance challenges I previously shared. The board has demonstrated a commitment to implementing a more robust governance structure, including recent improvements to the Code of Ethics and Conduct. I am also grateful to the many individuals and organizations who have expressed confidence in Michigan State’s future and the importance of strong, stable leadership. I appreciate the thoughtful conversations taking place across our state about governance and how we can best position Michigan State — and all of Michigan’s public universities — to thrive for generations to come. I remain committed to working alongside every trustee and every member of our community who is focused on moving Michigan State forward.
I am grateful for the patience the board extended as I worked through this deeply personal decision, and for the confidence and encouragement I received from members of the board, our leadership team, our distinguished faculty and so many alumni, donors, students, staff and friends of the university. 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. Your voices mattered, and they played an important role in my reflection and my conviction that this is where Amy and I are meant to be.
Stability matters. Trust matters. Collaboration matters. Those principles will continue to guide my leadership. Higher education faces undeniable challenges, but it also has an extraordinary opportunity to shape the future of our state, our nation and our world. By working together, listening to one another and focusing on the aspirations we share, I am confident there is no limit to what Michigan State can achieve.
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, and I look forward to all that we will accomplish together.
Go Green.
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