MSU President Reveals What’s Next After Turbulent Summer

Michigan State University President Kevin Guskiewicz is laying out what comes next for the university, just months after a period of uncertainty surrounding his future in East Lansing.

READ MORE: Michigan State President Kevin Guskiewicz Is Staying After All

Guskiewicz delivered his State of the University address Tuesday, with the speech expected to focus on MSU's priorities and direction moving forward.

Why Kevin Guskiewicz Almost Left Michigan State

The address comes after a turbulent summer for university leadership. In May, Guskiewicz announced plans to leave Michigan State to become president of Clemson University. At the time, he pointed to ongoing disagreements and governance concerns involving the MSU Board of Trustees, calling the situation unsustainable.

Why Guskiewicz Decided To Stay At MSU

But in July, Guskiewicz reversed that decision and announced he would remain at Michigan State.

In a message to the university community, Guskiewicz acknowledged the uncertainty created by the situation and said rebuilding trust would require consistency, transparency and action. He also said he remained committed to working with trustees and moving the university forward.

Michigan State Went Through Major Leadership Changes

His decision to stay came as MSU continued working through several leadership changes.

That includes a major change inside Spartan Athletics. Former athletic director J Batt is no longer leading the department, with Dan Bartholomae now serving as athletic director. Bartholomae is also overseeing Spartan Ventures, a new fundraising arm created for MSU Athletics.

Guskiewicz has said his priorities include academic excellence, student success, research, partnerships and strengthening Michigan State's land-grant mission.

Tuesday's address gives students and faculty, as well as the broader MSU community, a clearer view of the priorities that could shape the university going forward.