(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 named the seventh chancellor of UM-Dearborn.
I’ve worked with Gabriella since 2018, when I became chancellor, and there is no one more committed to UM-Dearborn and the success of its students, faculty, and staff.
She has devoted 30 years to this university, and I am confident she will further elevate its impact as a campus of opportunity that delivers a world-class, accessible education.
I’ve said it many times: Go Blue and Go Dearborn! Please join me in congratulating Chancellor Scarlatta.
Today’s meeting includes a proposal to purchase 140 acres of property currently owned by Concordia University.
This is a unique and unexpected opportunity presented to our university by Concordia officials. Specifically, they asked us to consider buying the property and to continue an educational mission at a location that has served students for more than 60 years.
Over the long history of our institution, the University of Michigan has been able to acquire significant parcels of land, including the property that is now North Campus. We do this to fulfill our mission and envision the future – for the university and society.
Our plans for the Concordia site are still to be determined. We do know that there will be a strong emphasis on potential community use. We also intend to preserve the beautiful, physical landscape of the property and signature facilities such as the historic Earhart Manor and the campus chapel.
We are confident this development will amplify the University’s many contributions to Ann Arbor and Washtenaw County.
This current support includes providing $32 million to the city toward capital improvements, public safety, and transportation upgrades. More notably, U-M supports the local economy by spending $332 million in goods and services.
As we conceive plans for the Concordia parcel, we will continue to work closely with city and community representatives to establish optimal uses that will deepen Michigan’s commitment to the public good.
