Ex-Michigan State President Lou Anna K. Simon will retire from the university on August 31, 2019 after 45 years, holding the titles president emeritus and faculty emeritus with a payout of $2.45 million over three years.
Simon maintained a tenured faculty position and a Wills House office after resigning as president of MSU in January 2018.
Her retirement deal includes benefits similar to what other executive managers have.
Last fall, Simon took an unpaid leave of absence while facing criminal charges in Eaton County, where state officials allege Simon lied to police about her knowledge related to 2014 Title IX investigations into ex-MSU and USA Gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar’s sexual abuse.
Simon’s retirement comes one week after the preliminary hearing — which lasted 7 days — for those charges concluded.
“Michigan State is on the precipice of a new chapter under the leadership of President Stanley,” Simon said in a university press release. “I appreciate the efforts of the university to facilitate my transition to emeritus status that corresponds to this new chapter.”
She said she would continue scholarly pursuits and community engagement while living in Traverse City.
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