Selection process for next provost underway at U-M

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The University of Michigan has launched the process to select and appoint a new provost and executive vice president for academic affairs.

President Mark Schlissel has appointed a 13-member selection and appointment advisory group, which he will chair.

“Our selection and appointment process seeks an academic leader with substantial knowledge of and experience at U-M who is ready to engage on all major current issues and lead ongoing and potential new initiatives,” Schlissel said.

“The position will have a three-year term with the opportunity for renewal, allowing for the new provost to maintain the forward momentum of the institution through the upcoming presidential transition.”

The new provost will succeed Susan M. Collins, who will complete her appointment June 30, 2022. Collins, a public policy and economics professor and former dean of the Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy, will return to the faculty at the end of her term.

“Provost Collins has provided exemplary service to the University of Michigan, ensuring our students could continue to pursue their degrees during a global pandemic and strengthening numerous programs across the breadth of U-M’s academic enterprise,” Schlissel said. “I appreciate her willingness to lead during a challenging time for our university and world.”

The advisory group will conduct robust outreach by engaging with various campus stakeholders, including the Senate Advisory Committee on University Affairs, Voices of the Staff, and Central Student Government. It also will solicit input from Ann Arbor campus faculty and staff via a survey to be sent in the near future.

Any community members who would like to submit feedback on the selection process or make a nomination can email input-Provostselection@umich.edu. For fullest consideration, applicants should submit their materials by Dec. 16.

Consistent with past practices, the selection process will remain confidential until the president makes his recommendation to the Board of Regents.

In addition to Schlissel, members of the appointment advisory group include:

  • ​​Elizabeth Armstrong, the Sherry B. Ortner Collegiate Professor of Sociology, professor of sociology, and of women’s and gender studies; LSA; faculty associate, Population Studies Center, ISR.
  • Sara Blair, the Patricia S. Yaeger Collegiate Professor of English Language and Literature, vice provost for academic and faculty affairs, and professor of English language and literature, LSA.
  • Geoffrey Chatas, executive vice president and chief financial officer.
  • Lynette Clemetson, director, Wallace House.
  • Sarah Daniels, associate dean of students, Office of Student Life.
  • Lauren Davis, director of diversity, equity, and community, School for Environment and Sustainability; member, Voices of the Staff.
  • Allen Liu, chair, SACUA; associate professor of mechanical engineering, College of Engineering; associate professor of biomedical engineering, College of Engineering and Medical School; and associate professor of biophysics, LSA.
  • Laurie McCauley, dean, the William K. and Mary Anne Najjar Professor of Periodontics, professor of dentistry, School of Dentistry; and professor of pathology, Medical School.
  • Robert Sellers, vice provost for equity and inclusion and chief diversity officer, Office of the Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs; Charles D. Moody Collegiate Professor of Psychology, professor of psychology, LSA; faculty associate, Research Center for Group Dynamics, ISR; and professor of education, School of Education.
  • Michael Solomon, dean, Rackham Graduate School; vice provost for academic affairs-graduate studies, Office of the Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs; professor of chemical engineering, and of macromolecular science and engineering, College of Engineering.
  • Kailana Dejoie, undergraduate student, Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy.
  • Curtiss Engstrom, Ph.D. student in survey and data science, Rackham Graduate School.

Stephen Yaros, senior project manager, will provide staff support in the Office of the President.

(Note: This story has been updated from an earlier version to include the committee’s student members.)

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