Is Gaddi Leaving? Rumors are swirling that Peace Corps Director Vasquez may be leaving the administration. We think Director Vasquez has been doing a good job and if he decides to stay to the end of the administration, he could possibly have the same sort of impact as a Loret Ruppe Miller. If Vasquez has decided to leave, then Bob Taft, Peter McPherson, Chris Shays, or Jody Olsen would be good candidates to run the agency. Latest: For the record, Peace Corps has no comment on the rumors.

Although MSU President M. Peter McPherson hasn't yet publicly announced what he plans to do when he leaves the university, sources close to him say he could be reporting to White House staff in the near future



Although MSU President M. Peter McPherson hasn't yet publicly announced what he plans to do when he leaves the university, sources close to him say he could be reporting to White House staff in the near future

Colleagues: D.C. job a possibility for McPherson
Many ask what's next for president after he leaves 'U'

By JACLYN ROESCHKE

The State News

Although MSU President M. Peter McPherson hasn't yet publicly announced what he plans to do when he leaves the university, sources close to him say he could be reporting to White House staff in the near future.

Before coming to MSU in 1993, McPherson held a number of high-ranking positions with the U.S. government. Because of that experience, some say a spot on President Bush's cabinet or a job as World Bank president are not out of reach for McPherson.

"He's got a long history with international issues and financial experience," said Howard Gobstein, MSU's associate vice president for governmental affairs. "I'm going to guess he's certainly going to get a key position in the Washington area."

Gobstein said McPherson is most likely to work on issues of international development, diplomacy or finance in Washington, D.C.

MSU's 19th president will step down from his position on Jan. 1, and although he declined to comment on speculation, he has said his only plans are to refrain from retiring.

Before coming to MSU, McPherson served as Vice President of Bank of America, Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Treasury, administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development and special assistant to President Gerald Ford.

In April 2003, McPherson took a 130-day break from the university to head the U.S. Department of Treasury's effort to rebuild the Iraqi economy.

Bill Ballenger, editor and publisher of Inside Michigan Politics, said McPherson has a shot at one of the newly open seats on Bush's cabinet.

"It would be perfectly expected that he might take some kind of a job with the Bush administration in the second term," Ballenger said.

Currently, six of Bush's 15 cabinet members have resigned. Ballenger said McPherson could be offered a position as Agriculture Secretary or Energy Secretary.

McPherson currently serves as chairman of the Secretary of Energy Advisory Board - a 32-member board that provides recommendations to the secretary on issues impacting the Department of Energy. Because McPherson heads the group, some speculate he could be next in line for the cabinet position.

Ballenger said Spencer Abraham, who resigned from the position Monday, said he didn't have much experience with energy issues before he was appointed as secretary.

"If someone like Abraham could fill that post, then I can certainly see how Peter could," Ballenger said.

Others speculate because of his financial background, McPherson could be offered the position as president of World Bank when current head James Wolfensohn's second term ends.

But some who know McPherson say he will be headed to work on international developments such as global food issues or problems in Africa.

McPherson currently serves as chairman of International Fertilizer Development Center, or IFDC - a public, nonprofit group that works on issues of food security.

McPherson is the fourth chairman of the organization, which was created by former MSU President John Hannah.

President and CEO of IFDC Amit Roy said McPherson always has been interested in issues in Africa, and he believes MSU's president will continue down that path come January.

"He has been involved in development in less developed countries for years," Roy said. "His stated objectives have been to be involved in international affairs, particularly to help Africa realize full security."

In the past, McPherson has said working on a range of African issues would be a likely possibility for him.

McPherson was appointed by President Ronald Reagan to be administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development. Because of this, he could have his sights set on a job with any non-governmental United Nations organization, said USAID spokesman Harry Edwards.

As administrator, McPherson reported to the secretary of state on global issues.

Working for United Nations' programs or for international organizations such as World Vision International or Catholic Relief Services are definite possibilities for former USAID administrators, Edwards said.

But because of McPherson's depth of experience in many areas, anything is possible, Ballenger said.

"McPherson has got a generalized background of expertise in many policies and government departments," Ballenger said. "He's not viewed as a sort of specialist who could fill one niche. There's any number of positions he might qualify for and serve with distinction."

Jaclyn Roeschke can be reached at roeschk1@msu.edu.

When this story was posted in November 2004, this was on the front page of PCOL:

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