Michigan State University President Kevin Guskiewicz is departing MSU to become the 16th president of Clemson University in South Carolina.
The move comes just two weeks after the MSU Board of Trustees approved a significant raise for Guskiewicz, boosting his base salary to $2 million — nearly $800,000 more than the base salary Clemson will pay him.
The Clemson Board of Trustees voted unanimously Wednesday morning to appoint Guskiewicz as the university’s next president. During the meeting, he addressed the board about his leadership experience. Watch the announcement here.
“Over the past decade I’ve had the privilege of serving in senior leadership roles at two extraordinary public universities: the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Michigan State University,” Guskiewicz said. “Those experiences have shaped my understanding of what great public universities can accomplish when they remain anchored in innovation, service, and instructional excellence.”
Guskiewicz has served as MSU’s president for just two years, arriving in 2024.
Contract Details at Clemson
“At Michigan State, I inherited both significant challenges and extraordinary opportunities,” he said. “Together, our community has focused on rebuilding trust, strengthening transparency, and reaffirming the university’s commitment to students, faculty, and the people of Michigan.”
Clemson Trustee Smyth McKissick, chair of the Compensation Committee, outlined the terms of Guskiewicz’s contract:
- Five-year contract
- Base salary of $1.216 million, with $884,468 paid by the Clemson University Foundation
- Performance-based increases of up to $250,000 per year
- Required residence in the on-campus President’s house, plus additional retirement and tenure benefits
Clemson Trustee Kim Wilkerson said the university plans to host a formal welcome reception for Guskiewicz in June.
MSU Reaction
MSU Board Chair Brianna Scott issued a statement on the transition:
“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.” Scott said the board will soon provide details on a transition plan. She wished Guskiewicz and his wife Amy well.
Additional Context
Guskiewicz was a no-show this week at the Detroit Regional Chamber Policy Conference on Mackinac Island, where he had been scheduled as a featured speaker. His sudden departure became a topic of conversation among attendees.
WKAR News is monitoring this developing story and will provide updates as more information becomes available from both universities.