Michigan State University celebrates 22nd president Kevin Guskiewicz

EAST LANSING, Mich. (WILX) - Michigan State University gathered Sunday to celebrate a new chapter in MSU history. By formally welcoming the 22nd president of MSU, Kevin Guskiewicz.

News 10 attended the ceremony in East Lansing as Guskiewicz shared his vision for the university.

"Today is not just the start of a new chapter, it is the beginning of a new book for MSU," said Dan Kelly. MSU's mission was to find an experienced leader with an intellectual vision and bring the university to new levels, that's why they chose Kevin Guskiewicz. Sunday, he was formally honored as MSU's 22nd president.

The celebration included remarks from students, campus leaders and politicians like Governor Gretchen Whitmer. "President Guskiewicz is focused on moving MSU forward and tackling the big challenges we all face," said Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer. "He'll strengthen university's leadership on everything from environmental sustainability to digital transformation to diversifying economic growth." Guskiewicz says after visiting the campus, he knew he wanted to be a part of the spartan community and is ready to serve. "We will continue to prepare the next generation to address the grand challenges of today and tomorrow and we will do it our way," said Kevin Guskiewicz. During his speech, Guskiewicz announced the expansion of several scholarships including the spartan tuition advantage program, to reduce financial roadblocks. He also plans to launch a new presidential speaker series to help students better navigate the world of diverse beliefs. "The series will focus on bringing thinkers and doers to our campus in an atmosphere of civil discourse across differences," said Guskiewicz. "A subject that I've written often about this season." Since day one, his ask is that the community strives to be bolder and says the university's power comes from innovation, fresh ideas and action. "It's this spirit of inquiry that drives innovation, fosters discovery and leads the breakthrough that defines us as a leading global public research university and in fact, Michigan's state university," said Guskiewicz.

MSU President Kevin Guskiewicz says there's more to be done to improve services to students and staff and they're dedicated to their commitment to make MSU greater.