The statement signatories include:

• Dr. Karen Kelly-Blake, Chairperson, Faculty Senate and University Steering Committee

• Dr. Stephanie Anthony, Vice Chairperson, Faculty Senate and University Steering Committee

• Dr. Kate Birdsall, President, Union of Non-Tenured Faculty (on behalf of the UNTF Executive Board)

• Dr. Megan Donahue, At-Large Member of the Steering Committee, Faculty Senate and University Council, University Distinguished Professor of Physics & Astronomy

• D'Ann De Simone, At-Large Member of the Steering Committee, Faculty Senate and University Council

• Dr. Rebecca Malouin, At-Large Member of the Steering Committee, Faculty Senate and University Council

• The Associated Students of Michigan State University (the undergraduate student government)

• Hannah Jeffrey, President, Council of Graduate Students

• The Academic Specialist Advisory Committee

• Ava Hill, President, Graduate Employees Union

The statement listed reasons explaining the endorsement for Woodruff. Among those reasons were Woodruff’s ability to continue the implementation of the MSU 2030 Strategic Plan and DEI Plan and progress toward Title IX compliance. 

Additionally, the statement cited Woodruff’s accomplishments as provost, including the success of interest-based UNTF contract negotiations, improving the visibility, viability and value of teaching-focused faculty, identifying sources of funding to restore retirement benefits for faculty, restructuring the Office of Faculty and Academic Staff Affairs and improving communication. 

“Appointing Provost Teresa K. Woodruff interim president would be a forward-thinking move that stabilizes the university,” the statement said. “Her selection would unify the entire MSU community, create an atmosphere of educational continuity for everyone here, and begin restoring our confidence in the Board of Trustees.”