Public Media from Michigan State University

Beekman Appointed Acting MSU President, Trustees Vow Change In Wake of Nassar Scandal

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A solumn MSU Board of Trustees made VP and Board Secretary Bill Beekman Acting President today.
Scott Pohl

In the wake of MSU president Lou Anna Simon’s resignation this week, the Board of Trustees has named Bill Beekman, Vice President and Secretary to the Board, to serve for a short time as acting president.

The Board first accepted Simon’s resignation and then moved to appoint Secretary Bill Beekman to the post of acting president for a short time while a search is conducted for an interim president. Beekman accepted.

In the meantime, all the Trustees expressed apologies and vows to change the culture on campus that allowed Larry Nassar to assault athletes in his medical care on campus for 20 years. Brian Mosallam emotionally addressed Nassar’s survivors, saying "I am so truly sorry. We failed you."

There have been calls for some or all of the Trustees to resign, but none have. Brian Breslin and Mitch Lyons terms are up this year, and both have decided not to run again.

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Scott Pohl is a general assignment news reporter and produces news features and interviews. He is also an alternate local host on NPR's "Morning Edition."