While universities typically evolve gradually over time, they may also see periods of sudden, rapid change that open new horizons and set them on a decisive trajectory. In his inauguration as the University of Michigan’s 15th president, Santa J. Ono said he plans to usher in one of those eras of change.

(As prepared for delivery) Paul, thank you. I’m so grateful to you and the Board of Regents. Thank you all for joining us, whether online or in this magnificent auditorium. Thank you again for your faith in me. It is such a privilege and honor to be inaugurated today to serve all of you as …

Hello colleagues and friends across the U-M community! During these midwinter days, I’ve been reflecting on our future as a university. Our strategic visioning process is well underway. I hope you saw my recent update on our progress, and hope even more that you will engage. This is to be our vision, of who we …

(As prepared for delivery) I’d like to begin by offering our most profound sympathies to the loved ones of those who were wounded and lost on Monday night at Michigan State University. We’ve lowered the flags across our campuses to half-staff, and in coordination with the vigil on the Diag last night, we lit the …

Dear U-M community, Our hearts are broken with the Michigan State University family following last night’s horrific shooting. We wish for a speedy recovery of the wounded, and we pray for comfort and grace for the loved ones of those so suddenly lost. I know many in our community are reeling from this event as …

Dear Colleagues, I am pleased to recommend that the service of Laurie McCauley, University of Michigan’s provost and executive vice president for academic affairs, be extended to a full term, effective March 1, 2023 through June 30, 2027. The Board of Regents will consider this full extension at the Feb. 16 board meeting. Provost McCauley’s …

Colleagues and friends across the University of Michigan community, At my Leadership Welcome speech last November, I announced that we would initiate a strategic visioning process for our Ann Arbor, Flint and Dearborn campuses, one that would sharpen our impact and determine who we are, what we want to stand for, where we want to …

The University of Michigan will allocate $20 million over five years for its Arts Initiative to expand access with new programs and projects to engage university audiences, bring more artists to campus, and support and amplify the arts across the state and region.

(As prepared for delivery) Thanks for that introduction Provost McCauley, and thank you again for your fantastic partnership. I’d also like to thank: In addition, I’d like to thank all of you here today who have been so engaged in the startup phase of this initiative, and who will be essential in seeing it grow …

President Santa J. Ono’s January 2023 message to the students, faculty and staff at the University of Michigan.