Dear colleagues and friends across the University of Michigan community,

I am delighted to announce that Donna Fry, dean of the UM-Flint College of Health Sciences, has agreed to serve as interim chancellor of UM-Flint, effective Aug. 18.

We made this selection after an extensive and expedited search. Recognizing the importance of having an interim chancellor in place for the start of the upcoming academic year, we intentionally accelerated the search process. We were deliberate about soliciting input from U-M leaders and the UM-Flint community and appreciate everyone who provided input and feedback.

I’m convinced that Dean Fry, who also has an appointment as a professor of physical therapy, is the right person to lead us through this period of transition. She brings extensive experience to this position including her long service to the UM-Flint community as a faculty member and administrator since 1987. She has led the College of Health Sciences since 2015 and in her role as dean she serves on the steering committee of the UM-Flint strategic transformation process.

Her deep commitment to engaging the UM-Flint community in the transformation work was critical in the selection of an interim leader. Dean Fry’s appointment will allow this process to move forward, and we will do everything in our power to ensure the success of Interim Chancellor Fry and assure a bright future for UM-Flint.

In the coming months, I will share more details about a formal search for a permanent chancellor. But for now, please join me in extending a warm welcome and our full support to Donna Fry as the interim chancellor of UM-Flint.

Sincerely,

Santa J. Ono
President