MSU president faces uncertain future amid controversy

It wasn’t long ago that Larry Nassar’s sexual assault cases — and Michigan State University’s gross mishandling of accusations against the disgraced doctor — were top of mind among Michigan residents.

Nassar infamously sexually assaulted scores of gymnasts, including Olympic gold medalist Simone Biles, and is now in prison, effectively serving a life sentence. The incident damaged MSU’s reputation as a safe environment for student athletes.

Several people, including former university presidents Lou Anna Simon and John Engler, lost their jobs for the handling of the Nassar scandal and its fallout.

Now, another MSU president is in hot water. The current president, Samuel Stanley, Jr., has apparently lost the trust of at least some of the board of trustees, who are now trying to get Stanley to leave his post.

“I think, overall, there’s a lack of trust between some members of the board and the president, and when that happens that puts the president on the hot seat.” — David Jesse, Detroit Free Press higher education reporter.

Listen: Why another Michigan State University president is in hot water with board members.

Guest

David Jesse is a higher education reporter for the Detroit Free Press. He says the board generally does not appear to trust the sitting Michigan State University president because of how he’s handled certain university processes.

“I think, overall, there’s a lack of trust between some members of the board and the president, and when that happens that puts the president on the hot seat,” says Jesse.

Photo courtesy of Michigan State University.