Former Michigan governor to be named Michigan State interim president: report

Michigan State University is expected to name former Michigan Gov. John Engler (R) as its interim president, The Detroit Free Press reported Tuesday.

Engler will replace Lou Anna Simon, who resigned last week after multiple former students testified Larry Nassar abused them while he worked as a physician for the school’s athletic department.

Nassar was sentenced last week to up to 175 years in prison for sexually abusing more than 150 young female athletes while working as a doctor for Michigan State and USA Gymnastics. A total of 156 victims testified that they sought treatment from Nassar for sports injuries and were sexually assaulted. {mosads}

The NCAA launched an investigation into the school’s handling of complaints against Nassar following reports that school officials ignored some complaints.

ESPN reported last week that the university failed to adequately investigate or report instances where football and men’s basketball players were accused of sexual misconduct.

Engler, a Michigan State graduate, is expected to be formally named interim president on Wednesday morning. 

Engler served in both chambers of the Michigan state legislature before winning his bid for governor in 1990. He remained governor until 2002, when he transitioned into lobbying.

Engler previously headed the Business Roundtable, which is comprised of CEOs from several large American companies. He stepped down from that role last year.