LANSING, Mich. – Daniel Hurley, chief executive officer of the Michigan Association of State Universities (MASU), will step down from his leadership role next June, concluding 12 years as CEO of the coordinating board for the state’s 15 public universities.
The 2026-2027 academic year will mark Hurley’s 29th year working directly on behalf of public university leaders at the institutional, system, state, and national levels. “It has been a privilege to work with so many inspiring professionals who are dedicated to fulfilling the missions of Michigan’s and America’s great state universities,” Hurley said. “Michigan’s students, residents, communities, and employers benefit greatly from the teaching, research, and public service performed by these amazing institutions.”
Hurley has served as a tireless champion for college affordability, advocating for increased state investment in the public universities and state financial aid programs. He helped promote the creation and successful implementation of the Michigan Achievement Scholarship and other state-institutional partnerships to expand college access. He has served as a trusted voice on higher education policy issues through bipartisan legislative engagement at the state and national levels and facilitated numerous initiatives aimed at elevating the role of public universities in workforce development, research, and economic growth.
Helping the universities counter a declining youth population through numerous enrollment and student transfer strategies has been an additional focus for Hurley. Outcomes have included implementation of the Michigan Assured Admission Pact among participating universities, and efforts currently underway to automate the sharing of course and grade data involving students who transfer from a community college to a university, allowing them to receive an associate degree from the community college once credit requirements are met, a process known as “reverse transfer.” Infused in his approach has been an emphasis on collaboration among the state’s universities, other postsecondary providers, K-12 education leaders, and non-profit, governmental, and philanthropic organizations.
The year ahead will continue to embody MASU’s commitment to its mission, which will mark its 75th year serving as a forum for Michigan’s public university leaders to convene, advocate with a united voice, and strategize on how to best meet state educational, workforce, and economic goals.
“The role of the association in facilitating collaboration, providing advocacy, and fostering policy in the unending quest to maintain college affordability and ensure excellence in teaching, research, and innovation is as vital as ever,” said Dr. Richard Koubek, president of Michigan Technological University and chair of the MASU board of directors.
“Dr. Hurley’s leadership, integrity, and unwavering commitment to students have left an enduring mark on our state’s public universities and the countless individuals whose lives have been transformed by the opportunities they provide,” Koubek continued. “His ongoing service to Michigan’s public universities is greatly appreciated as well as his support of next year’s leadership transition at MASU at a time when the state will also be transitioning to a new governor, administration, and legislature.”
The MASU board of directors will utilize the services of a still-to-be-determined firm to facilitate the search for the next CEO. The search is set to get underway later this fall.
