Four candidates running for two seats on the University of Michigan Board of Regents in the Nov. 5 general election provided The University Record with short profiles describing their background and platform.
Other candidates on the ballot seeking eight-year terms, but who did not submit information for this compilation, are Libertarian Andrew Chadderdon, and Donna Oetman of the U.S. Taxpayers Party.
Shauna Ryder Diggs
Democrat | diggs4michigan.com
Background
Education — U-M Inteflex program, internal medicine internship, dermatology residency, physician owner of Cosmedic Dermatology, 2004-present
Forgotten Harvest, Detroit Institute of Arts, Detroit Opera, Belle Isle Conservancy, BCBSM Foundation
U-M regent, 2013-20
Alum parents — Master of Music, Ph.D. Music Education; Ph.D. Biological Science Education
Statement of candidacy
I am running for reelection because, now more than ever, we need proven leadership on the board. I am well-qualified to help lead the university as it navigates the huge challenges facing society and higher education.
As the daughter of two university professors, I believe in the ability of higher education to improve the lives of all. I will work to ensure that every student can find opportunities to thrive at U-M. I will prioritize excellence in academic programs; access and affordability; a three-campus strategy with focused investments in Flint and Dearborn; an inclusive campus culture that promotes civil discourse and protects from discrimination; and a premier health-care system that serves the state and region.
On the Board, I was considered a thoughtful, empathetic, responsive, data-driven leader, who focused on good, principled governance. I know the unique value of a Michigan education and can convey it to families, legislators and communities. Also, I have developed skills through my professional career that directly contribute to my abilities as a leader. As a practicing physician, I listen to people’s concerns, communicate effectively, and work with parents to develop a plan of action. As Board Chair of the Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges, I became well-versed in the good governance practices that enable a high functioning board. As an active member of community organizations, I have experience engaging diverse constituency groups.
I am committed to building a brighter future. The challenges we face are not insurmountable.
Denise Ilitch
Democrat | ilitchforregent.com
Background
I am a devoted community servant and tireless advocate for families, women and children. For decades I’ve dedicated myself to creating opportunity for all as a Detroit-based business, education and philanthropic leader. I helped start my family’s business, flipping pizzas as a young girl at the very first Little Caesars. I worked my way up — gaining expertise in economic development, asset management, operations, sports, hospitality, food service and retail. My diverse business experience brings valuable expertise to the University of Michigan’s Board of Regents.
I have served two terms on the University of Michigan Board of Regents. I am seeking reelection because this work — serving students — is my passion, and I will never stop fighting to hold the line on tuition, expand scholarships and ensure all Michigan students have access to a quality university education.
Statement of candidacy
As the first person in my family to go to college, I understand the importance of a quality, affordable, education for all.
A University of Michigan education transforms lives — and so I’ve dedicated myself to doing everything I can to hold the line on tuition, support scholarships and provide pathways to entry for Michigan’s young people, first.
I have championed initiatives to make students safer and lessen the burden of tuition costs on families, and there’s still more to be done. I am also committed to fortifying mental health and wellness for students; expanding opportunities for women’s athletics; and promoting civil leadership and respectful discussions.
With your support, I’ll continue working and winning for Michigan families.
Carl Meyers
Republican | Meyers4Michigan.com
Background
U-M background: Graduate of the UM-Dearborn School of Business, 1979.
Professional background: Financial and board governance experience.
Finance executive and investment adviser senior vice president of investments, Raymond Janes, 2000-24. Partner in the investment firm Roney and Co., 1990-2000. Investment adviser with Paine Webber 1982-90.
Former volunteer chairman of the City of Dearborn Retirement System, 2008-22.
Former board member of Member Focus Credit Union, 2012-19.
Statement of candidacy
I’m running for U-M Regent to participate in leading the institution forward in an ever-changing world. I believe that the University of Michigan is one of the finest educational institutions and medical facilities in the world. The most significant challenge facing U-M is maintaining institutional excellence with world-class facilities, top-tier administrators and outstanding professors in an environment of constrained budgets and social volatility.
Sevag Vartanian
Republican | votevartanian.org
Background
Sevag Vartanian obtained his Bachelor of Science in actuarial mathematics from U- M in 1991. He received his M.B.A. in finance from the University of Chicago in 2000. His professional career has focused on finance and banking. Having worked in New York City for much of his career, in 2014 he returned to Michigan with his family where he now runs a boutique asset-management firm.
Vartanian grew up in Dearborn and now resides in Novi, Michigan, with his wife of 28 years and three sons. While in high school, he earned the rank of Eagle Scout and was recruited to play football at U-M. While an injury prevented him from playing in college, he still made it to the Big House as a member of the cheerleading squad. His love for the university is undeniable and he is running to ensure that it maintains its status among the Leaders and Best.
Statement of candidacy
I am running to bring some common sense back to the Board of Regents and to break the cycle of groupthink. As an alumnus, and parent of a recent graduate, I have firsthand experience in dealing with the university from the consumer side of things. Recent changes to the Statement of Student Rights and Responsibilities and adoption of the policy on institutional neutrality were done in a heavy-handed manner without sufficient discussion and debate with students and faculty. I hope to bring a transparent approach that allows the voices of our student leaders and faculty to be heard without fear of reprisal. That is the only path to inclusivity.
John Woodford
I’m happy to see candidate Vartanian’s comment in the Board’s recent edict aimed at censoring protest and dissent on campus. That the Board also voted to suppress its own freedom — in effect an act of muzzling itself — by preventing the University’s leaders from commenting on any issue not strictly conceived as University business, is a shockingly ignorant, unprincipled and cowardly action for a group entrusted with the responsibility of leading one of the world’s greatest institutions of higher learning. This Board’s self-mutilation indicates that the current Regents either didn’t learn or have betrayed the hard-won principles of higher education that this institution must always champion if it is to retain its reputation.
Sevag Vartanian
As I continue to meet with faculty and physicians, I see free speech being incrementally eroded and along with it academic and professional freedoms. The professors and the physicians don’t have the means to defend themselves effectively. It might be time for these groups to form a union.