Satish Udpa
John M. Engler has resigned as interim President of Michigan State University, having served in the position for less than a year. Engler was appointed to the post after revelations that former MSU physician Larry Nassar had abused hundreds of gymnasts over a period of decades, causing numerous firings and resignations among the university administration, including former President Lou Anna K. Simon. A former state senator and Republican governor of Michigan from 1991 to 2003, Engler failed to bring much-needed stability to the MSU community. He remained at odds with the university board of trustees and student body, particularly regarding his statements questioning the motivations of Nassar’s victims.
The board of trustees has appointed Satish Udpa, currently executive vice president for administrative services, as acting president. Udpa previously spent eight years as the Dean of the MSU College of Engineering.
The board plans on appointing a permanent successor by June 2019.
