(As prepared for delivery) I want to begin by thanking Chancellor Gabriella Scarlatta and the UM-Dearborn community for hosting us today. It’s always a pleasure to return to the Dearborn campus. It’s an even greater pleasure to recommend to the Board that the word “interim” be removed from Chancellor Scarlatta’s title, and that she be …

Updated May 3, 2026 At today’s U-M spring commencement ceremony, our outgoing Faculty Senate Chair made remarks regarding the Israel-Palestine conflict that were hurtful and insensitive to many members of our community. We regret the pain this has caused on a day devoted to celebration and accomplishment. For this, the university apologizes. The Faculty Senate …

Chairman Walberg, Ranking Member Scott, and members of the Committee, thank you for the opportunity to speak with you today about research security at the University of Michigan. My name is Domenico Grasso, and I have had the privilege and honor of serving as the President of the University of Michigan since May 2025. My …

(As prepared for delivery) I want to start today with the news of a national championship – specifically, the Michigan Debate Team.

 We have one of the oldest collegiate debate programs in the country, and for the last two years, our student competitors have been the best. 

 Earlier this month, they won the American …

(As prepared for delivery) I’d like to begin today by officially welcoming Ken Kettenbeil to the table. Ken is serving as vice president for communications in an interim capacity. He joined the Ann Arbor campus last May as special advisor to the president. Before then, he was vice chancellor for external relations at UM-Dearborn. I …

(As prepared for delivery) It is an honor to welcome Kent Syverud as the next president of the University of Michigan. Kent, as a Michigan alumnus and former faculty member, you understand how special this place is. I speak from experience as an alumnus who returned to lead the institution – your homecoming will be …

(As prepared for delivery) I’d like to begin today by officially welcoming Bobby Hewlett to the table. Bobby is serving as executive vice president and chief financial officer in an interim capacity. He has served the University for 14 years, much of which he spent with Michigan Medicine. He holds two degrees from the Ross …

(As prepared for delivery) It’s wonderful to be at the University of Michigan-Flint. As you might imagine, I have deep affection for our regional campuses and everything they do for our state. I want to thank Chancellor Laurence Alexander and his leadership team for hosting us today. I also want to applaud the continued increase …

(As prepared for delivery) Good afternoon, and welcome to our first Board of Regents meeting of the new academic year. We have had an energetic and engaging start to the semester. This past weekend, we celebrated Parents’ Weekend and welcomed families to campus with events, tailgates, and a resounding football victory. I want to thank …

This week’s events have understandably sent waves of fear through university communities across the country. I want to reassure everyone in the University of Michigan community that your safety is, and will remain, our highest priority. We are increasing our resources and vigilance to ensure the well-being of all students, faculty, staff, and visitors. I …