Official statement from the Union of Tenure System Faculty at MSU, May 18, 2026.
UTSF strongly objects to the Board of Trustees’ actions at a special meeting held on the evening of Sunday, May 17.
At that meeting, trustees approved a compensation package for President Kevin Guskiewicz that included a $1 million increase in base salary—effectively doubling it—along with a $250,000 annual award.
President Guskiewicz began his MSU appointment in March 2024. The same action extended his contract by two years, moving its end date from March 2029 to March 2031.
The meeting was scheduled with the minimum public notice permitted by law. Members of the public were not allowed to comment, and the Zoom webinar used for the meeting restricted attendance.
UTSF President NiCole Buchanan said the process appeared designed to avoid meaningful scrutiny from the university community.
A decision made during academic cuts
In spring 2025, the Office of the President called for 9% across-the-board budget reductions. Those reductions threaten academic positions and programs as well as the quality of education and research across MSU.
Against that background, the Board’s decision placed extraordinary new resources into an already highly compensated administrative position. It communicated a preference for senior administration over the needs of students, faculty, and academic programs.
UTSF grew from tenure-system faculty members’ commitment to students, teaching, research, and the belief that better working conditions for faculty strengthen the university’s quality and integrity. This action moved in the opposite direction.
UTSF represents nearly 1,800 tenure-system faculty members and librarians and was formally recognized by MSU in September 2025.