Updated

Updated · Detroit News · Jul 7

Michigan State Raises Guskiewicz Pay to $1.5 Million, Grants 10 Hours of Private Jet Use

Updated

Updated · Detroit News · Jul 7

Michigan State Raises Guskiewicz Pay to $1.5 Million, Grants 10 Hours of Private Jet Use

Q: With the president staying, will the departing AD's buyout now double to a staggering $5 million?

Possibly, but it is not confirmed. Batt’s Michigan State contract reportedly included a clause cutting his buyout from $5 million to $2.5 million if Kevin Guskiewicz was no longer MSU’s president. When Guskiewicz initially announced he was leaving for Clemson, that appeared to set up the lower figure. Now that Guskiewicz has reversed course and is staying at Michigan State, the logic of that clause suggests Batt’s buyout could revert to the original $5 million. That is why the financial impact is suddenly back in question. But no school has publicly confirmed the final number. Reports note Batt’s last day at MSU is still unclear, and Michigan State has not clarified whether the triggering event was Guskiewicz’s announcement, his formal departure, or his actual status at the time Batt leaves. Until MSU or Kentucky confirms how the contract language is being applied, the buyout cannot be stated definitively. So the short answer is: it may return to $5 million, but as of now that remains unresolved rather than settled.

3 articles · Updated · Detroit News · Jul 7

$1.5 million is the new annual salary for Michigan State President Kevin Guskiewicz starting Aug. 1, up nearly $400,000 under an amended contract reached days before he announced he would stay.
10 hours of annual private-aircraft use for personal travel by Guskiewicz, his family and guests were also added through 2031, with the university saying the perk and raise will come from non-university or philanthropic funding.
The retention package followed concern that other schools were pursuing him and that board dysfunction could drive him out; trustees had authorized contract negotiations in May, according to Guskiewicz.
His decision to remain reversed a planned move to Clemson announced in May, after he said faculty support and broader backing across Michigan helped persuade him to stay in East Lansing.