Statements

  1. Statement at September 2023 Board of Regents

    September 21, 2023

    Welcome to the first University of Michigan Board of Regents meeting of the new academic year.  We’re already off to a memorable and accomplished start.  I’d like to begin by welcoming Donna Fry, our interim chancellor for UM-Flint, to our first board meeting. She’ll be serving until the selection of a permanent chancellor, and we’re …

  2. Statement on homophobic graffiti

    August 23, 2023

    To the campus community: We are aware of the homophobic graffiti that has been reported to Ann Arbor Police on the sidewalk in front of the Jewish Resource Center, an organization located near our campus that provides support to students seeking to stay involved or become involved in Judaism. The Jewish Resource Center is an important …

  3. Statement on Big Ten expansion

    August 4, 2023

    The Big Ten Conference unanimously voted Aug. 4 to accept the University of Oregon and the University of Washington as full members in all sponsored sports, effective August 2024. As the conference continues to grow and expand across the country, we are pleased to confirm this decision and extend a warm welcome to our newest …

  4. Statement on fraternity house vandalism

    July 21, 2023

    To the campus community: We are aware of the recent vandalism that has been reported to Ann Arbor Police at two off-campus fraternity houses where University of Michigan students will be living in the fall. Both houses are vacant for the summer. The university condemns these acts of vandalism, which included broken windows and spray-painted …

  5. Statement at July 2023 Board of Regents

    July 20, 2023

    (As prepared for delivery) In the light of the Supreme Court’s recent ruling on affirmative action, I’d like to begin by reiterating our strong commitment to fostering a diverse educational environment for our students and scholars, which is essential to our core mission of academic excellence. At U-M, as all of you know, we are …

  6. Statement at June 2023 Board of Regents

    June 15, 2023

    (As prepared for delivery) Since we’ll be discussing our budget today, it’s appropriate to begin by examining how we are giving back as a university: What we are doing to build our community and have a positive impact on our society. With that, I’m pleased to report we’re having a profound impact across our region, …

  7. Statement at May 2023 Board of Regents

    May 18, 2023

    (As prepared for delivery) I’d like to begin by joining with the family and friends of Sam Zell in mourning his passing.  Sam was a self-made entrepreneur who created what he described as a “meritocracy with a moral compass”; a man of contagious wit and a deep sense of civic responsibility.  He was an alumnus …

  8. Statement on the death of Sam Zell

    We join with the family and friends of Sam Zell in mourning his passing.  Sam was a self-made entrepreneur who created what he described as a “meritocracy with a moral compass”; a man of contagious wit and a deep sense of civic responsibility. He was an alumnus and one of our most generous philanthropists, supporting …

  9. Statement at March 2023 Board of Regents

    March 23, 2023

    (As prepared for delivery) I’d like to begin by congratulating Regent Ilitch for her recent appointment to the State of Michigan’s Investment Board. Governor Whitmer made an outstanding selection, and Regent Ilitch, we’re delighted to see your new service in such an essential position. I’m also delighted to offer my most sincere congratulations to my …

  10. Congratulations to Earl Lewis on Receiving the National Humanities Medal

    March 20, 2023

    It is with a full heart that I offer my most sincere congratulations to Earl Lewis on becoming the first U-M faculty member to receive the National Humanities Medal. Dr. Lewis is a distinguished scholar, an award-winning author and an educational leader, as well as a longstanding mentor and dear friend. As Vice President for …