Statement on resignation of Interim President Engler

Jan. 17, 2019

Today, the Board accepted the resignation of John Engler as interim president of Michigan State University. The Board appointed Satish Udpa to serve as acting president until the conclusion of our presidential search. We anticipate a permanent president will be on campus by July.

MSU has been working hard to make needed improvements regarding the prevention of and response to sexual misconduct and relationship violence, as well as enhancing patient care and safety. But none of our work will matter if our leaders say hurtful things and do not listen to survivors. Engler’s statements regarding survivors of sexual assault have been extremely hurtful and do not reflect the values of our university. The Board deeply regrets the impact on survivors and our community.

The Board appreciates all the MSU community collectively does to keep the university dedicated to its mission of advancing knowledge and transforming lives. We are diligently seeking a new leader to continue our healing and guide our campus to achieve our aspirations in integrity, inclusion, research and education.

—Dianne Byrum, Chair, MSU Board of Trustees