Lou Anna K. Simon has resigned as president of Michigan State University, effective immediately.
Simon’s departure follows weeks of public pressure from the student body and several members of the board of trustees regarding the university’s handling of the unfolding scandal involving university physician Lawrence G. Nassar’s long-term sexual abuse of student-athletes.
In her resignation letter, Simon states, “As tragedies are politicized, blame is inevitable. As president, it is only natural that I am the focus of this anger. I understand, and that is why I have limited my personal statements. Throughout my career, I have worked very hard to put Team MSU first. Throughout my career, I have consistently and persistently spoken and worked on behalf of Team MSU. I have tried to make it not about me. I urge those who have supported my work to understand that I cannot make it about me now. Therefore, I am tendering my resignation as president according to the terms of my employment agreement.”
Simon served as president of Michigan State since 2005.
