The process of selecting a new president began earlier this year after former president Lou Anna K. Simon resigned from the role. Her Jan. 24 departure came amid criticism of her handling of ex-MSU and USA Gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar's child sex abuse case.

Like Simon, Sullivan is a Spartan alumna. She earned her undergraduate degree from MSU's James Madison College. 

“We had phone interviews with several candidates and we didn’t have anybody hand-picked in mind when we started this,” Trustee Dianne Byrum said. “We were looking for someone that was highly qualified and had experience in public higher education, and also had experience and was very familiar with the whole presidential search process and so that’s what we were seeking out, and Dr. Sullivan fits that bill.”

Prior to joining MSU, Sullivan served in a number of academic leadership roles at other universities. She also served as provost at the University of Michigan before starting her career at the University of Virginia. 

“Identifying a new president for Michigan State University is an extremely important process and as a respected, accomplished member of the academy and collegiate administrator, Dr. Sullivan is well positioned to offer insight and advice to the board,” Board Chairman Brian Breslin said in a press release on Tuesday.

According to Byrum, listening sessions involving university stakeholders and the community will begin in July. They will continue until a new president is selected. 

“I welcome the opportunity to assist my alma mater as it searches for its next president, and I am looking forward to advising the Board of Trustees and university community as the search proceeds,” Sullivan said in a press release. “The process of identifying and selecting a new president is exceptionally important for the future of Michigan State University.”