Michigan State Moves to Fire Medical Dean in Wake of Nassar Scandal

Michigan State U.

John Engler, the interim president of Michigan State University, has taken the first step toward removing tenure from and firing William Strampel, a former dean of the institution’s College of Osteopathic Medicine and Larry Nassar’s onetime boss.

“William Strampel did not act with the level of professionalism we expect from individuals who hold senior leadership positions, particularly in a position that involves student and patient safety,” Engler said in a statement released on Friday.

“Further, allegations have arisen that question whether his personal conduct over a long period of time met MSU’s standards,” he said.

Strampel stepped down from his administrative post in December, citing medical reasons.

The move is the latest in a string of resignations and departures as the university continues to grapple with fallout from its failed response to reports of sexual abuse by Nassar, a former faculty member and doctor who has been convicted of sexually molesting women on the U.S. gymnastics team, among many others. The university will not cover legal expenses for Strampel, who is being sued by women and girls whom Nassar abused.

Michigan State has also suspended Suresh Mukherji, chairman of the department of radiology and chief medical officer of the MSU HealthTeam.

“I sincerely hope the courageous survivors of Larry Nassar will see this as an unmistakable indication that things are changing quickly at Michigan State,” Engler said. “I said last week that their efforts would not be in vain. This is just the first step in restoring trust in Michigan State.”

Adam Harris is a breaking-news reporter. Follow him on Twitter @AdamHSays or email him at adam.harris@chronicle.com.