Ferguson was elected first to the Board of Trustees in 1986 and currently serves as chairman. His term ends Jan. 1, 2013.

Eric Bush, administrative manager for the Michigan Gaming Control Board, said executive director Rick Kalm has received no official correspondence that Ferguson has decided to stay with MSU or step down from the Greektown position. The board currently is awaiting additional information, he said.

Ferguson said in a statement serving on both boards would not be a conflict of interest because MSU does not qualify as a “governmental unit” under the act.

According to the press release, Kalm told Ferguson he needed to choose between his position at MSU and the role at Greektown, but Ferguson sent a letter earlier this week asking that the Gaming Control Board make the definitive decision about the situation.

The position on the Greektown board of directors would pay Ferguson $210,000 for his first year. Board members also “receive substantial annual stipends for serving,” according to the release.
MSU trustees do not receive financial compensation.

“If they don’t rule in my favor, then I have to step away (from the Greektown board),” Ferguson said. “People look at me like I’m nuts to step away from $210,000, but I guess that’s what I will do.”

Ferguson said he will remain at MSU because he was elected by the people and his colleagues elected him chairman.

MSU is not receiving the same amount in higher education appropriations it has in past years, he said. The trustees need to be innovative and work as a team during the difficult financial situation MSU faces as they work through university issues including tuition, Ferguson said.

“We need the best team on the field to do the best for Michigan State,” he said. “You don’t leave when it’s a real tough time.”

MSU Trustee Melanie Foster, vice chairperson of the board, said Ferguson is a leader who brings consensus to the board.

“He truly is a bipartisan leader working for the best of the university, and I’m delighted that he made the right choice,” she said.

According to the release, Greektown — one of three casinos in Detroit — emerged from bankruptcy last summer, shortly before the Ferguson appointment was announced.
Staff writer Beau Hayhoe contributed to this report.