The announcement was made during a 10 a.m. Clemson University board meeting after the board went into an executive session for over 15 minutes. Clemson University's board voted unanimously to welcome Guskiewicz. 

Guskiewicz was sporting an orange tie during the meeting, saying, "This is an exciting day for me and my family, I'm deeply honored and incredibly grateful to accept the offer to serve as Clemson's 16th president." 

"Over the past decade, I've had the privilege of serving in senior leadership roles at two extraordinary public universities, the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill and Michigan State University, and those experiences have shaped my understanding of what great public university can accomplish," Guskiewicz said. 

This comes after the MSU board voted to give Guskiewicz a $1 million dollar raise and an extension to his contract during the May 17 special meeting. Some trustees said the offer was a way to ensure Guskiewicz would stay at MSU after they said he was being "aggressively pursued" for the top job by other universities.

Board Chair Brianna Scott also referenced MSU's high presidential turnover rate. Scott assumed the role of MSU trustee alongside fellow trustee Kelly Tebay Zemke on January 1, 2019. With Guskiewicz’s departure, Scott and Tebay Zemke will have witnessed five presidents assume the helm in seven years, including interim presidents and Guskiewicz himself. 

Trustees also brought up Guskiewicz’s health being impacted by the stress of the job. 

“We should be ashamed to hear that we have caused that to any individual, let alone someone who came to this university at a very horrible time in our history," Scott said.

Guskiewicz assumed the role of MSU president in 2024 after interim president Teresa Woodruff said she would not pursue the role. Guskiewicz’s current contract was not up until 2029. 

In a statement sent out at 11:04 a.m., Scott wrote "We greatly value these past two-plus years under President Guskiewicz. His leadership has set the university on a positive trajectory and one that we can continue during this transition. Michigan State University has demonstrated resilience throughout its history, and the institution’s strength has never depended on any one individual. The university’s mission, talent and momentum continue just as they have for nearly 175 years." 

MSU spokespersons Amber McCann and Emily Guerrant could not be reached at the time of publication. 

“The board will provide information regarding a transition plan soon; in the meantime, we wish Kevin and Amy well and look forward to aligning our shared visions over a productive summer in anticipation of a busy and prosperous academic year," Scott continued.