Whitmer to Determine Future of MSU Trustees Rema Vassar, Dennis Denno – My MBA Career

Last Updated on March 4, 2024 by Robert C. Hoopes

In a recent development at Michigan State University, the board of trustees made the decision to censure and refer misconduct allegations against former Chair Rema Vassar and Trustee Dennis Denno to Governor Gretchen Whitmer for possible removal. The vote, which saw a 6-2 majority in favor of the action, also censured Trustee Brianna Scott for publicly accusing Vassar of misconduct.

The investigation into the allegations uncovered instances of alleged misconduct by both Vassar and Denno, which included accepting free flights and tickets, violating the code of ethics, and retaliating against witnesses. As a result of the findings, Vassar resigned as chair before the board meeting where the decisions were made.

Following Vassar’s resignation, the board elected Republican Dan Kelly as chair and Democrat Kelly Tebay as vice-chair. Governor Whitmer, while expressing concern over the allegations, has yet to publicly take action to remove board members from the state’s flagship universities.

The investigation, which involved three law firms, has cost the university nearly $600,000. Vassar and Denno were represented by outside counsel paid for by the university during the inquiry.

For more information on this developing story, readers can contact Sarah Atwood at satwood@lsj.com and follow her on Twitter @sarahmatwood. Stay tuned to My MBA Career for further updates on this ongoing situation at Michigan State University.