To All Members of the University of Michigan Community:

This is the eighth year of my presidency and an important time to strategically consider the future for our university.

We are emerging from an historic global pandemic and adjusting to new and still evolving ways of working, learning and living, both as individuals and as a university. We’re planning our next fundraising campaign and developing the longer-term strategies that will continue to drive our academic excellence and enhance our societal impact. And we’re working on our campus culture and climate to help us to live up to our highest ideals. Each of these important priorities will require commitment and leadership that extends into the next decade and beyond.

To support a smooth and thoughtful presidential leadership transition, I am announcing that I plan to end my service as president in June 2023, a year less than the duration of my previously announced appointment. After discussion with the Board of Regents, I decided that this timing is appropriate. The new horizon gives the Board time to consult with our community, think about the future and thoroughly plan and conduct a search for my successor, while allowing us to continue momentum on important and time-critical efforts that are underway.

What keeps me energized and passionate about this university is the important work of our students, faculty and staff and the alumni, donors and other partners who support us. The work we do matters.

It’s work that the president of this university has the immense privilege of leading and being a part of. Every day we heal, discover, teach and serve – advancing a public mission and strengthening the immutable Michigan bond of knowledge and values.

I am very proud of all the university has accomplished thus far during my term as president and remain excited about what we are currently planning for the years ahead. Thanks to you, U-M is addressing major societal challenges such as poverty, firearm injury prevention, inequality, human health and the climate crisis with interdisciplinary strength. We’ve enhanced affordability on all of our campuses through the Go Blue Guarantee, expanded the reach of our world-class health care, and set a record for private support of a public university.

But as long as challenges remain in our society, the University of Michigan’s work will remain unfinished. I’m eager to support all of you as you strive to make our world and university a better place. I will speak at greater length about our plans for the next two years on Thursday (Oct. 7) at 8:30 a.m. during the President’s University Leadership Address, which will be livestreamed at umich.edu/watch.

Thank you for your commitment to our great university.

Sincerely,

Mark S. Schlissel
President