Dear Alumni and Friends,
Nine months ago, I sent you a message during a difficult time for our University of Michigan community. I had just accepted the Board of Regents’ request to serve as president for a short period while the search for a new president commenced.
What I knew then – and what has been reinforced time and again since January – is that when U-M faces a challenge, we seek solutions. We focus on tomorrow. Our mission as a public research university endures.
I’m proud of the work that so many people have put into making U-M even stronger during this time of transition. Here are just a few examples:
- The university’s total research volume increased by 8.4% over the past fiscal year to a record $1.71 billion in expenditures, contributing $97 million to Michigan’s economy.
- U-M improved its processes and structures for addressing sexual misconduct by adopting recommendations from a nationally recognized consulting firm focused on addressing sexual and gender-based misconduct.
- The Ann Arbor campus once again received a record number of first-year applications for this academic year, signaling our continued value to the students and families of Michigan and beyond.
I will step down next month as President-elect Santa Ono, the president and vice chancellor of the University of British Columbia, will become U-M’s 15th president on Oct. 14. I feel good knowing that Dr. Ono will soon join a university community that has maintained its positive momentum, committed itself to building a culture that fosters trust and, above all, remained focused on having a positive impact on society.
It’s part of what makes the University of Michigan such a special place.
Thank you for your continued support over these past nine months, and Forever Go Blue.
Sincerely,
