Updated: 3:22 pm
Michigan State University President Kevin Guskiewicz is leaving to serve as President of Clemson University in South Carolina.
Guskiewicz served as president of MSU just over two years, and made the announcement a week after MSU Trustees offered to double his salary if he remained.
In a statement to the MSU Community, Guskiewicz said the University launched important initiatives during his tenure. But he said conflicts with some Board of Trustees members created an "unsustainable situation."
"While I firmly believe we are all better when there is a diversity of viewpoints informing decisions, our ability to make meaningful progress is hampered when disagreements move from offering alternative perspectives into publicly undermining decisions and putting personal interests above the best interests of the university and our faculty, staff and students. What is perhaps most troubling is the actions of some to abuse their access to privileged and confidential information to mispresent facts, manipulate situations and selectively use and leak that information to promote personal agendas."
MSU Board Chair Brianna Scott issued the following statement.
“We greatly value these past two-plus years under President Guskiewicz. His leadership has set the university on a positive trajectory and one that we can continue during this transition. Michigan State University has demonstrated resilience throughout its history, and the institution’s strength has never depended on any one individual. The university’s mission, talent and momentum continue just as they have for nearly 175 years."
Officials with Clemson University said he "rose to the top of a remarkable list with his deep understanding not only of higher education on the national level, but familiarity with Clemson University and its land-grant mission.”
Details regarding Guskiewicz' start date at Clemson are being finalized.
Scott said the MSU board will provide information regarding a transition plan soon.
