email from school president
Dear Spartan:
This morning the Board of Trustees was presented with a recommendation
for the next football coach at MSU that reflected a systematic and
in-depth search approach by very special members of Team MSU. The
recommendation of Mark Dantonio
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http://link.paciolan.com/index.cfm?n2046s213c104435t222o694] reflected
expert knowledge and due diligence, and it reflected much more--an
abiding commitment to doing what is best for our university and our
football team.
A few hours later, based upon the Board's enthusiastic and unanimous
approval of Mark--effective immediately--we held a press conference
before a packed auditorium at the Clara Bell Smith Center, where Mark was
introduced by his wife, Becky. Both events gave testimony to the fact
that the selection of this particular coach, this particular educator,
provides a great foundation for a Spartan football program that will excel
on and off the field, with integrity and with intensity, with high
standards and high expectations. Mark noted that he believes in MSU's
strategic vision to be "Bold by Design." Our new coach not only has a
burning desire to be here, he has a burning desire to win here--and win with
integrity, hard work, and pride--on and off the field.
All involved were impressed with Mark's knowledge of and appreciation
for the history, culture, and lore of Spartan football. He appreciates
what it means to be a member of the community at a world's top-100
university, and he appreciates the role Spartan football has had over the
decades along the banks of the Red Cedar.
The Board and others--including Ron Mason, Mark Hollis, Tom Izzo, Alan
Haller, and others involved in the process--publicly noted this was a
model search. It was inclusive, thorough, and, as I noted in the earlier
communique, "above reproach and above politics."
I know you join me in welcoming back home to the Spartan family Mark,
Becky, and their two daughters, Kristen, 13, and Lauren, 11. As Mark
said, now it's time to get down to the pragmatic hard work ahead.
I invite you to learn more about today's activities, and about Mark,
his background, his record, and what others are saying about him.
http://link.paciolan.com/index.cfm?n2046s213c104435t222o695
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http://link.paciolan.com/index.cfm?n2046s213c104435t222o695]
It's been a great day to be a Spartan. I want to personally thank all
of you who have offered your support, insight, and patience during this
process. Please know you were part of the "inclusion" that so marked
this special search.