LANSING, Mi. – Michigan State University turned to a hard-nosed former governor and alumnus on Wednesday to right the ship following scathing criticism over former doctor Larry Nassar’s ability to molest young female athletes for decades under the guise of medical treatment.
The board of trustees unanimously voted during a public meeting to name former Republican Gov. John Engler the school’s interim president. He replaces Lou Anna Simon, who resigned last week following Nassar’s sentencing hearing where he was confronted by more than 150 girls and women about the abuse.
“I have confidence that John Engler will reflect our desire to keep a focus on survivors and the victims,” said Brian Breslin, the board’s chairman.
Others criticized the appointment, including members of the faculty governing board and a student liaison to the trustees who said appointing a controversial political figures was “the wrong direction.”
Engler, 69, led the state for a dozen years from 1991 through 2002. After leaving office because of term limits, he directed business groups in Washington.
The board also named former Democratic governor and Michigan State graduate Jim Blanchard to advise the school as it faces lawsuits filed by more than 100 girls and women, and investigations by the state attorney general, the NCAA and Congress. The board will soon start the search for a permanent president.
Engler’s selection had been expected and was welcomed by allies who said Engler is tenacious, not afraid to ruffle feathers and can steer his beloved Spartans through the tumult. He also will have to shake up a culture that critics say led to the university turning a blind eye to Nassar’s victims for years.
