During her annual performance review by the Board of Regents, President Mary Sue Coleman was praised for her leadership, specifically her role in the successful completion of the $3.2 billion Michigan Difference Campaign, and the acquisition and development of the North Campus Research Complex, the former Pfizer pharmaceutical research facility purchased in June.
Regent Andrea Fischer Newman, who as chair of the Personnel, Compensation and Governance Committee delivered the review, called Coleman “a great president.”
“We’re glad you’re here,” Fischer Newman said.
Regents also commended Coleman’s leadership in guiding the university during a severe economic downturn, noting that a prudent investment strategy and conservative spending had helped U-M avoid severe layoffs and construction cancellations experienced by many other institutions.
Fischer Newman also noted the university’s increasing research expenditures that topped $1 billion this year, Coleman’s role in rebuilding the state economy, and her involvement with the admissions process that has encouraged diversity and helped U-M continue to receive record numbers of applications.
In light of the economy, Coleman asked the regents not to give her a pay raise. Executive officers and deans also agreed to forego increases this year.
“I’ve got the best job in the world,” Coleman told regents. “I just love it.”
