Gordon E. Guyer enrolled under the G.I. bill at Michigan State College (now Michigan State University) in 1947 to study Fisheries and Wildlife but eventually switched his major to Entomology. Guyer received his Bachelor's degree (1950), Master's degree (1952) and Ph.D. (1953) from MSU. He joined the faculty at his alma mater in 1954. He is the author of over 70 scientific papers; some used as basic reference material in entomology.

Prior to being appointed as President of Michigan State University, Guyer served MSU in a number of positions: Professor and Chair in the Department of Entomology, Director of the Pesticide Research Center, Assistant Dean of the College of Natural Science, Assistant Dean of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Director of Cooperative Extension Service, Director of the W. K. Kellogg Biological Station, Special Assistant to the Vice-President for Administrative and Public Affairs, Senior Consultant to President for State and Public Affairs. Guyer became MSU's 18th President on September 1, 1992 and served for one year.

Guyer has served as consultant to many groups including the Michigan Vegetable Growers' Association, Michigan Farm Bureau, Agricultural Council, Michigan Departments of Health, Conservation, and Agriculture; Agriculture and Ways and Means Committee, Michigan Legislature, and the Michigan Governor's office. He was also appointed Director of the Michigan Department of Agriculture and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. He was Chair of the Biological Science committee and a member of the Athletic Council at MSU. He was involved in many international projects and led one of the first American scientific groups allowed to visit China in the mid-1970s.

Guyer received a National Science Foundation grant to participate in the International Congress of Entomology in London, 1964. He also received MSU's Distinguished Faculty Award in 1965.