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Aug. 20, 2023: Statements on Interim President Woodruff’s decision to not seek full-time presidency

MSU Interim President Teresa K. Woodruff, Ph.D., has made the decision to not seek the full-time presidency. Woodruff intends to remain in the interim president role until a new president is selected by the Board of Trustees to ensure a smooth transition of leadership.  

Statement from Interim President Woodruff: 

“I was honored to be asked and then unanimously voted by the Board of Trustees to serve in an interim role as president, leading this great university at a moment of tumult and uncertainty. I have been humbled by the support of our deans, Faculty Senate, students and employees, alumni, and government, business and industry leaders across the state of Michigan and beyond. Together, we have stabilized the university. Together, we experienced and continue to heal from the violence that occurred on our campus in February. Together we have set a course for a safer and more welcoming campus for all. And together, we have created the context for sustained excellence in our shared future.  

“I wish for a continued period of stability for the university. Thus, and to enable that goal, I do not seek the full-time presidency, but will support the individual selected for this role as they assume the helm.” 


Statement from Board Chair Rema Vassar, Ph.D.:

“On behalf of the MSU Board of Trustees, I thank Dr. Woodruff for stepping into the role of interim president and providing resolute leadership these past 10 months. We appreciate her hard work on behalf of the university, the students, faculty and staff, our alumni, and the greater Spartan community. We particularly recognize her steadfast leadership during the violence that our campus experienced in February and her commitment to improved safety since then. We look forward to her support through an upcoming presidential transition period.”