Less than six weeks after Kevin Guskiewicz was announced as Clemson University’s next president, the board of trustees revealed he has opted to stay at Michigan State University for “personal reasons.”

In an email announcement, Clemson’s BOT said it was notified on Monday of Guskiewicz’s decision, that the national search had a “robust pool of candidates” and that next steps would be determined soon.

Guskiewicz shared a statement with MSU’s campus community expressing his recommitment: 

“I recognize that some members of our community may have questions about my commitment. That is understandable. Our university has experienced more than its share of change in recent years, and I regret that my decision-making over the past several weeks added to that uncertainty. For that, I am sincerely sorry,” he wrote.

Guskiewicz also noted that trust is not restored only through words, but also “consistency, transparency and action,” and that serving as president of Michigan State is “one of the greatest honors of (his) professional life.”

A months-long search following former University President Jim Clements’ retirement in December 2025 culminated in the board announcing Guskiewicz as the school’s 16th president on May 27.

The board had approved a five-year, $1.2 million contract at the time of Guskiewicz’s selection, which included performance incentives that would have allowed salary increases.

Guskiewicz has been president of MSU since March 2024, and previously served as chancellor of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill from 2019 to 2024.

Whether Guskiewicz has received a new salary or benefits package to remain at MSU is currently unclear.

This is a developing story. The Tiger will update this article with more information as it becomes available.