Interview with Michigan State University President Samuel Stanley

Today we’re talking to Michigan State University President Samuel Stanley.  He has a depth of experience and expertise.  In addition to being a university president, he is an infectious disease specialist.  President Stanley says he knows Dr. Fauci, and he’s honest, direct, and we couldn’t have been in better hands during this pandemic.  It’s been an unprecedented year, but President Stanley says we’ve adapted well, and he’s been very impressed by his colleagues. He thinks this Fall will look a lot more normal as the tools are there, it’s just a matter of applying them correctly.  President Stanley says it was challenging to wear two hats as president and infectious disease specialist, and only time will tell how well he did.  As an infectious disease specialist he was narrowly focused on the disease but also had to lead rapid change within the university.  He says trust and transparency were key in addition to a very supportive board.

When asked the best advice he’s ever been given, President Stanley says it was to understand the decision-making process.  He was mentored that when it came to big decisions he needed to gain trust, lead, and help build consensus in the decisions made.  Another piece of advice he was given is that you only occupy the chair for a short period of time, it’s not about you, it’s about the university.  When asked what advice he would give himself if starting over, President Stanley says that’s tough to answer because he’s had so many great experiences.  He says he would tell himself to be patient, that the goals will be achieved, and to maybe set goals earlier.

The most surprising thing for President Stanley's career is the pathway he took to get there.  He says he had a great career as a faculty member, leading infectious disease research.  He had fun teaching and seeing patients.  It wasn’t until the administration approved a large grant for President Stanley’s research that he realized how impactful administration could be.  He ended up taking a job in administration and then made the huge jump to university president.  He says one of the biggest responsibilities as a leader is to be willing to stick your neck out for things that are important to the university.