Samuel L. Stanley

Samuel L. Stanley Jr., M.D. is a biomedical researcher with expertise in biodefense and emerging infectious diseases who has been a leader in pushing for more investment in science to improve preparedness for new or emerging biological threats. In his role as Chair of the National Science Advisory Board for Biosecurity he helped shape U.S. Government policy frameworks that allowed critical research on dangerous pathogens to proceed in the safest way possible.

Stanley's leadership in higher education includes serving as Michigan State University’s 21st president from 2019 to 2022 and president of Stony Brook University on Long Island in New York, as well as vice chancellor for research at Washington University in St. Louis. He has been active in national higher education organizations, including the Association of American Universities, the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities and the University Innovation Alliance. He is an engaged member of Michigan’s University Research Corridor, Business Leaders for Michigan and sits on the executive committee of the Michigan Economic Development Corp. He is a past member of the NCAA Board of Directors and NCAA Board of Governors.

Born in Seattle, Stanley earned a Bachelor of Arts in biological sciences (Phi Beta Kappa) from the University of Chicago. After earning his medical degree from Harvard Medical School, he completed resident-physician training at Massachusetts General Hospital and then went to Washington University in St. Louis, where he rose to vice chancellor for research.