University of Michigan Initiates Search for New UM-Dearborn Chancellor
Amidst a significant leadership transition, the University of Michigan is preparing to appoint a new chancellor for its Dearborn campus. This crucial step in the university’s future comes as President Domenico Grasso sets the stage for a comprehensive search process.
To spearhead this endeavor, Grasso has formed a search advisory committee. Laurence Alexander, the chancellor for UM-Flint, alongside Ghassan Kridli, the interim provost at UM-Dearborn, are taking the lead as co-chairs of the committee.
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“This leadership transition is an important milestone for our university, as we continue to shape the future direction of the Dearborn campus based on their GoBLUEprint for Success strategic plan,” Grasso said. “I am confident the nationwide search will result in a strong leader who will continue to advance the momentum in Dearborn.”
This search will identify a replacement for Grasso, who held the chancellor position for over seven years before assuming the interim presidency in May. Set to retire after his interim tenure, Grasso will not return to his previous role. Currently, Gabriella Scarlatta is managing the responsibilities as interim chancellor of the Dearborn campus.
The process is set to launch with a series of campus town halls scheduled for November 17-19, offering a platform for stakeholder engagement. Further details will be shared soon.
Seeking broad input, the committee plans discussions with various groups to ascertain the attributes and focal areas desired in the new chancellor. Interested parties can send nominations or feedback via email to UM.Dearborn.Chancellor.Feedback@umich.edu. For detailed information, refer to the chancellor search web page.
“The committee will be looking for constructive input on the opportunities and the challenges for the next chancellor,” Kridli stated. “The community’s input will be a key component of developing the desired profile of our next campus leader.”
“Dearborn and Flint both serve outstanding students and have great impact in their communities,” Alexander remarked. “We are seeking candidates for the Dearborn chancellor search who understand and appreciate the significant role a regional campus plays in powering our state’s economy.”
The search for the university’s executive officers will adhere to a confidential selection process.
The university has enlisted Russell Reynolds Associates for their expertise in executive search. Consultants Jett Pihakis, Joi Hayes-Scott, and Zach Messitte will support the process, with Keisha Blevins, the deputy chief of staff and senior HR adviser for the Office of the President, acting as the president’s liaison.
Search Advisory Committee Members
- Georges Ayoub, associate professor of industrial and manufacturing systems engineering, College of Engineering and Computer Science, UM-Dearborn.
- Maya Barak, associate professor of criminal justice studies, College-Wide Programs, College of Arts, Sciences and Letters, UM-Dearborn.
- Dagmar Budikova, dean, and professor of geography, College of Arts, Sciences and Letters, UM-Dearborn.
- Chris Burke, professor of science education, College of Education, Health and Human Services, UM-Dearborn.
- Rich Durant, ITS operations manager, chair of Staff Senate, UM-Dearborn.
- Amy Finley, dean of students, UM-Dearborn.
- Ivy Forsythe-Brown, associate professor of sociology and anthropology, College of Arts, Sciences and Letters, UM-Dearborn.
- Yi Maggie Guo, professor of management studies, UM-Dearborn.
- Marc Howze, alumni member, retired group president & chief administrative officer, John Deere, and current corporate director.
- Ken Kettenbeil, senior adviser to the president, vice chancellor for external relations, UM-Dearborn.
- Patricia Mooradian, president and chief executive officer, The Henry Ford.
- Mark Radosevich, lecturer IV in mathematics and statistics, College of Arts, Sciences and Letters, UM-Dearborn.
- Carrie Shumaker, vice chancellor for information technology and chief strategy officer, Office of Information Technology, UM-Dearborn.
- Jakub Wittrock, student, College of Engineering & Computer Science, UM-Dearborn.
