MSU Trustees Lift Kevin Guskiewicz Pay to $2 Million, Extending Contract Through 2031
Updated
Updated · Lansing State Journal · May 17
MSU Trustees Lift Kevin Guskiewicz Pay to $2 Million, Extending Contract Through 2031
9 articles · Updated · Lansing State Journal · May 17
$2 million a year — up from $1,029,210 — was approved for President Kevin Guskiewicz in a 6-1-1 Sunday vote that also raises deferred compensation to $250,000 and lengthens his contract by two years.
Board leaders said the move was meant to keep Guskiewicz from leaving, describing him as frustrated with trustees and being aggressively pursued elsewhere despite what they called exemplary performance.
Guskiewicz had not requested the raise or extension and was unaware of the proposal, according to Trustee Sandy Pierce; he had not yet signed a new contract.
Opponents said the process lacked transparency and ignored legal advice, with one trustee noting Guskiewicz had said earlier Sunday that he wanted to stay at MSU.
The pay package would place Guskiewicz near the top tier of Michigan public university presidents even as MSU has been cutting 9% from its general fund budget over two years.
When elected officials are barred from public dissent, who ensures the university's powerful board remains accountable to the public?
Why did MSU's board silence dissent on the same night it nearly doubled the president's salary to $2 million?
Michigan State University’s 2026 Trustee Gag Order: Board Unity vs. Public Accountability After Years of Scandal
Overview
On May 17, 2026, the Michigan State University Board of Trustees approved a new code of conduct that sets strict limits on trustee speech and actions. The policy requires trustees to show loyalty to the university and bans public criticism or disagreement with board decisions after votes are taken. While trustees can still raise questions and challenge decisions, they must do so only in internal meetings. The board says these changes follow national governance recommendations and aim to improve unity and stability after years of internal conflict and public scandals. The new rules are designed to be difficult to change, ensuring long-term enforcement.