Dear Colleagues,

We are launching the search for the next chancellor of UM-Dearborn. This is a pivotal moment for our community, and your involvement will be crucial to identifying the best possible leader for the future of the Dearborn campus.

Laurence Alexander, Chancellor for UM-Flint and Ghassan Kridli, interim Provost at UM-Dearborn, will co-chair a search advisory committee comprising broad representatives from across the university and community. This advisory committee will guide the search and ensure that we solicit a wide range of perspectives.

The search will officially kick off this month with a series of campus town halls hosted by the committee. These events, along with meetings with specific campus groups, are designed to gather input on the qualities, experience, and priorities we should seek in our next chancellor. Additionally, we encourage everyone to submit nominations and feedback through our dedicated email address UM.Dearborn.Chancellor.Feedback@umich.edu. You may also provide feedback via this survey. The town halls will be held on November 17, November 18, and November 19. More information on the town halls, the search process and the committee can be found on the chancellor search webpage.

The effectiveness of this search, and ultimately the success of UM-Dearborn, depends on the broadest possible engagement from our faculty, staff, and students. I encourage you to participate in the scheduled town halls and to share your insights through the survey and other input opportunities. Your voices matter greatly as we define the profile of our next leader. 

The selection process will remain confidential, and Russell Reynolds Associates has been retained to assist, with Keisha Blevins, Deputy Chief of Staff and Senior HR Advisor, serving as my liaison throughout the search.

This is a unique opportunity to help shape the future of UM-Dearborn. Please help us ensure robust participation and meaningful dialogue as we embark on this important work together.

Thank you for your commitment.

Forever Go Blue and Go Dearborn!

Warm regards,

Domenico Grasso, PhD
President