The investiture of Michigan State University President Kevin M. Guskiewicz, Ph.D. was held on Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024, in the Cobb Great Hall at the Wharton Center for Performing Arts.

 

Presidential investitures are typically held in a leader’s first year in office to publicly and formally “vest” them with the authority of the office and acknowledge, introduce and celebrate the new leader. Investitures also represent continuity, connecting universities’ present with their past and allowing new leaders an opportunity to express their vision for the institution’s future.

 

President Guskiewicz elaborates on topics he discussed and initiatives he announced during his address. 

 

Conversation Highlights:

 

(0:20) – Welcome back to MSU Today, President Guskiewicz. How was the investiture?

 

(1:46) – Reflect on your almost seven months leading MSU. Has anything surprised you?

 

(2:57) – What are the main themes you wanted to present in your address?

 

(4:55) – What are some “true north” ways to make MSU the state university for the future?

 

(6:13) – What do you mean by “proudly inclusive talent activator?”

 

(7:30) – MSU is educating students for jobs that don’t exist yet.

 

(8:38) – You reaffirmed MSU’s commitment to DEI.

 

(9:46) – Why do you love fundraising, and why is it important for MSU’s future?

 

(10:55) – What’s the importance of “one team?”

 

(11:48) – “We’re a humble university that needs to toot its own horn more.”