Updated July 6, 2026 at 6:25 p.m.
In a surprising turn of events, Michigan State University (MSU) President Kevin Guskiewicz has decided to stay on at the university, reversing his previous decision to take up the helm at Clemson University. This announcement comes after a month of speculation and uncertainty following his initial departure announcement.
Guskiewicz had been appointed as Clemson University’s new leader in May, rejecting a lucrative offer from MSU’s Board of Trustees that would have doubled his salary. He cited internal tensions within MSU’s board as a significant factor in his decision to leave.
The announcement of his departure led to a series of high-profile exits from MSU, including that of Athletic Director J Batt, who accepted a position at the University of Kentucky. These developments sparked backlash from the MSU community, with many expressing dissatisfaction with the board’s handling of the situation.
Head Basketball Coach Tom Izzo voiced his concerns, urging Spartans to “stand up” and labeling the situation as “self-inflicted” by school leadership. Meanwhile, a campaign by business leaders and alumni in Mid-Michigan, “We Heart Kevin G”, emerged, featuring lawn signs and an online platform to show support for Guskiewicz.
Clemson University confirmed Guskiewicz’s decision to remain at MSU, citing personal reasons.
The Clemson University Board of Trustees was notified today (7/6/26) that Kevin Guskiewicz has chosen to remain at Michigan State University for personal reasons. The national search had a robust pool of candidates, and the Board will be meeting soon to determine next steps.
— Clemson University (@ClemsonUniv) July 6, 2026
In an open letter to the MSU community, Guskiewicz acknowledged the concerns around his commitment and expressed regret for the uncertainty caused. He emphasized his dedication to earning the community’s trust through “consistency, transparency, and action” and vowed to lead with “energy, humility, and purpose.”
The MSU Board of Trustees announced an increase in Guskiewicz’s salary to $1.5 million as a part of his decision to stay. Board Chair Brianna Scott highlighted his transformative impact over the past two years, expressing her satisfaction with his decision to remain. “I always knew that his heart was with MSU,” she remarked.
Tom Izzo also commented on the situation, highlighting the widespread support for Guskiewicz despite differing opinions. He stressed the importance of strong leadership and the positive momentum the university has experienced under Guskiewicz’s tenure.
READ President Kevin Guskiewicz’s full letter to the MSU campus community on his decision to stay:
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.
Sincerely,
Kevin Guskiewicz
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