MSU administrators and MSU President M. Peter McPherson denied broadcast news reports that the president interviewed for a high-ranking position with the federal government in Washington, D.C.

Television station WILX reported Thursday night that anonymous sources said McPherson was job hunting for a federal position.

University spokesman Terry Denbow said a headhunter had contacted McPherson for a position with federal home loan company Freddie Mac, but that's not unusual.

"In the last 10 years, somebody with Peter McPherson's résumé has gotten calls," he said. "It's not a surprise that people are seeking Peter McPherson."

Denbow said McPherson has no intentions to leave the university, and the rumors are just that - rumors.

"Wherever it came from, I think it's gotten too much attention," he said.

McPherson only said that he agreed with his wife, MSU's First Lady Joanne McPherson, when she said he had no plans to find another job. He declined to comment further.