Michigan State names Bill Beekman interim athletic director amid Larry Nassar scandal

Michigan State University interim President John Engler on Monday named Bill Beekman as interim athletic director.

A nationwide search will begin shortly for a permanent athletic director and that no internal candidates will be considered, Engler said.

Beekman most recently served as acting president at MSU and will remain vice president and secretary of the Board of Trustees.

"Just as the Board of Trustees had confidence in Bill to keep things moving as acting president, I have confidence that he will provide very capable leadership of the athletic department during this time of transition," Engler told the university website.

Beekman is replacing Mark Hollis, who retired Jan. 26 amid the Larry Nassar scandal.

Beekman, who previously served as executive director of the university's alumni association, has held the positions of vice president and secretary of the board since 2008. His duties include administrative responsibilities for board meetings, university ordinances, policies and courtesies.

"I am honored to receive this appointment and look forward to this new challenge," Beekman said. "This is obviously a new day at MSU and I am pleased to be part of the changes."