The Michigan State University community comes together to celebrate leadership and resilience.
The Board of Trustees at Michigan State University recognized Interim President Teresa Woodruff for her exceptional service during her challenging tenure. Since her appointment in November 2022, Woodruff provided strong leadership amid crises, including the tragic shooting in February 2023. Despite stepping down in March 2025, Woodruff will remain at MSU as a faculty member, contributing her expertise in human reproduction and oncology. The Board is now tasked with finding her successor, ensuring stability for the university’s future.
In a heartfelt meeting held on January 7, 2025, the Board of Trustees at Michigan State University gathered to pay tribute to Interim President Teresa Woodruff, honoring her remarkable service during what has been an incredibly challenging time for the university. As her temporary presidency comes to a close, the resolutions passed during this board meeting shine a light on her steadfast commitment to the school’s community and its numerous stakeholders.
Chair Rema Vassar led the charge, recognizing Woodruff’s unwavering dedication to fostering partnerships among faculty, students, staff, legislators, and the local community. Under her guidance since November 2022, following the resignation of former President Samuel Stanley, the university has been navigating turbulent waters while striving toward rebuilding trust and cooperation among its many factions.
Stanley’s departure, which was marked by increasing disillusionment with the Board of Trustees, reinforced the need for strong leadership, which is exactly what Woodruff has provided. Vice Chairperson Dan Kelly noted her success in conducting a search for her successor and proudly mentioned that she wouldn’t be leaving the university entirely—she will continue her journey at MSU as a faculty member.
Woodruff has indeed gone above and beyond in her role! Dianne Byrum emphasized how Woodruff tackled the numerous challenges during her tenure, showcasing her incredible ability to lead during a crisis. Most notably, her leadership during the tragic mass shooting on February 13, 2023, which claimed three students’ lives and left five critically injured, was commendable. The effects of that day still linger, as she adeptly worked to address the varying emotional responses exhibited by students, particularly at the start of the new school year.
Jack Lipton, Chair of Faculty Senate, expressed gratitude for Woodruff’s optimism and focus on the wellbeing of the university, particularly during such tumultuous times. Her exit from the interim presidency is slated for March 2025, but before then, Woodruff has expressed that she will not pursue the permanent position, instead opting to prioritize MSU’s stability by supporting the incoming president.
With her academic background in human reproduction and oncology, coupled with her prior role as provost and executive vice president for academic affairs, Woodruff has proven herself to be an invaluable asset to the university. As she prepares to return to her roots in the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology, there is a lingering belief that MSU will benefit immensely from her ongoing involvement.
The past few years for Michigan State University have seen significant leadership turnover, with the departure of five presidents within just five years. Challenges have been relentless for the institution, ranging from the aftermath of the February 2023 shooting to ongoing legal disputes tied to the disturbing legacy of former USA Gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar’s abuse. The Board of Trustees, while tasked with the search for a new president, has implications tied tightly to the timeline of Woodruff’s departure, ensuring a smooth transition for all parties involved.
Teresa Woodruff’s interim presidency may be winding down, but her influence and dedication to Michigan State University will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact. The next few months will be crucial as the board navigates the appointment of a new leader who can build on the foundation she has helped to reinforce.
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