Michigan State University Installs Kevin Guskiewicz as President
Michigan State University welcomed its new president, Kevin Guskiewicz, during a formal investiture ceremony at the Wharton Center for Performing Arts on MSU’s campus. Despite interruptions by protesters, Guskiewicz outlined his ambitious plans for the university’s future, emphasizing a renewed focus on research and academics.
Key Announcements:
- Guskiewicz unveiled the next phase of the Global Impact Initiative, introducing seven new research proposals to drive breakthroughs in critical areas such as space, electronics, computational biology, and public health.
- The establishment of the "Michigan State University Ethics Institute" was announced to facilitate institutional transformation, with operations potentially commencing in February 2025.
- Guskiewicz expressed his vision for MSU as a "talent activator for the state of Michigan," introducing a merit-based scholarship to attract students who may not otherwise have the opportunity to attend college.
- Plans include launching a merit-based undergraduate scholarship named after the university’s first president and first lady to support students in achieving success and purpose.
- The president aims to enhance student opportunities in Lansing through increased community service engagement and internship programs.
Distinguished Speakers and Event Highlights:
- The ceremony featured performances by the MSU wind symphony and remarks from notable figures including Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, Michigan House Speaker Joe Tate, and U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow.
- University of Southern California President Carol Folt and University of Utah College of Health Dean Emeritus David Perrin also shared insights during the event.
- Despite disruptions by protesters calling for divestment from Israel, the investiture ceremony proceeded with police intervention to maintain order.
Significance of Presidential Investitures:
Investitures are pivotal ceremonies in a university leader’s tenure, symbolizing the formal bestowal of authority and recognition of the new leader’s role. MSU highlighted the importance of this tradition in welcoming President Guskiewicz to his position.
Background on Kevin Guskiewicz:
- Guskiewicz, who assumed the presidency on March 4, 2024, previously served as a faculty member at the University of North Carolina since 1995.
- He held key roles as the founding director of the Matthew Gfeller Sport-Related Traumatic Brain Injury Research Center and the Center for the Study of Retired Athletes before being appointed as UNC’s Chancellor in 2019.
Conclusion:
The investiture of Kevin Guskiewicz as Michigan State University’s president marks a significant moment in the institution’s history, signaling a new era of innovation, scholarship, and community engagement under his leadership. As MSU embarks on a journey towards academic excellence and societal impact, Guskiewicz’s vision for the university as a catalyst for talent development and ethical transformation sets a promising course for the future.
For more details on the investiture ceremony, visit the Michigan State University website.
Contact Sarah Atwood at satwood@lsj.com, or follow her on Twitter @sarahmatwood.
This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: MSU President Kevin Guskiewicz investiture ceremony takes place.