EAST LANSING, Michigan — Michigan State University's Board of Trustees has voted to accept interim president John Engler's resignation, but is making his departure effective immediately.
The board acted Thursday, a day after Engler said he'd step down next week . Engler's resignation comes amid fallout from remarks he made about some victims of former sports doctor and convicted sexual abuser Larry Nassar.
The board appointed Satish Udpa as the new interim president. He currently serves as the school's executive vice president for administration and is a distinguished professor.
Trustee Kelly Tebay says "a wrong has been righted today. I'm sorry it took so long."
“While we collectively are working very hard to make needed improvements regarding the prevention of and response to sexual misconduct and relationship violence, as well as enhancing patient care and safety, none of our hard work will matter if people in leadership say hurtful things and do not listen to the survivors,” board Chairperson Dianne Byrum said. “To the survivors, the entire Board of Trustees extends our remorse over the regretful comments Engler has made. We are diligently seeking a new leader to continue our healing and guide our campus to achieve our aspirations in integrity, inclusion, research and education.”
Byrum's full statement on behalf of the Board can be found here.
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The former Michigan governor was hired as interim president a year ago as Michigan State was dealing with sexual assaults committed by Nassar, who worked on campus.
Engler told The Detroit News last week that Nassar's victims in the "spotlight" are "still enjoying that moment at times, you know, the awards and recognition." Engler previously was criticized for sending emails that suggested the first woman to go public with her accusations was probably getting a "kickback" from her attorney.
The university plans to name a permanent president in June.
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