UNC-Chapel Hill Chancellor Guskiewicz Hired by MSU Trustees
TL/DR –
Kevin Guskiewicz, a neuroscientist and concussion researcher, has been unanimously chosen by the Michigan State University Board of Trustees as the institution’s 22nd president, making him the sixth president in as many years. Guskiewicz, who has worked at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill for 28 years including the past four as chancellor, is set to begin his tenure at MSU on March 4. Notable achievements from his career include being named a MacArthur Fellow in 2011 for his research on sports-related concussions, which influenced guidelines in the NFL, NCAA, and National Federation of State High School Associations.
Michigan State University Appoints New President Kevin Guskiewicz
Michigan State University is set to embark on a new era with the appointment of academic leader, neuroscientist, and concussion researcher Kevin Guskiewicz as its 22nd president. The MSU Board of Trustees unanimously agreed to hire Guskiewicz during a virtual meeting, marking the sixth presidential change in as many years.
Despite years of leadership fluctuation at MSU, the trustees anticipate a promising future under Guskiewicz, who has a 28-year tenure at UNC-Chapel Hill, including the past four as chancellor. His post commences on March 4.
“This is a fresh chapter for Michigan State University,” MSU board chairwoman Rema Vassar stated, calling Guskiewicz a Spartan in spirit. Vassar lauded him for values of equity, integrity, transformative leadership, and transparency, which align with MSU’s mission and community ideals.
In response, Guskiewicz acknowledged the transformative power of higher education and expressed excitement about continuing MSU’s numerous initiatives. He emphasized the importance of collaboration, service leadership, and a diverse community in upholding MSU’s role as a global public research university.
Guskiewicz, originally from Latrobe, Pennsylvania, has held various roles at UNC-Chapel Hill, including his LinkedIn profile describes. His research on sports-related concussions has influenced guidelines in the NFL and NCAA, and in 2011, he received a MacArthur Fellow, known as a “genius grant.”
As he prepares to lead MSU, Guskiewicz highlights his commitment to student success and his respect for the faculty and staff. He also commended MSU’s history of research and innovation, pledging to champion these strengths in his presidential role.
MSU initiated a national search for a president after Samuel Stanley’s resignation in October 2022. Interim President Teresa Woodruff has been serving since November 2022 and has stated she would not seek the president’s job permanently.
Guskiewicz emerged as the sole candidate last month after Taylor Eighmy, President of University of Texas at San Antonio, withdrew. His leadership will be crucial as MSU tackles ongoing issues, including demands to release documents related to serial sexual abuser Larry Nassar and preparations to commemorate the first anniversary of the Feb. 13 mass shooting.
Guskiewicz and his wife, Amy, are parents to four children.
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