CHANCELLOR
UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN-DEARBORN

The University of Michigan invites nominations and applications for the position of chancellor of the University of Michigan-Dearborn. The chancellor exercises broad responsibilities for all aspects of the academic, student, financial, and administrative dimensions of the institution. The University of Michigan-Dearborn seeks an energetic, dynamic, and visionary individual to lead and to engage its faculty, staff, and students in an exciting era for the university and the greater Michigan community.

University of Michigan

The University of Michigan was originally founded in Detroit in 1817, moving to Ann Arbor in 1837. Two additional regional campuses were subsequently created, the University of Michigan-Flint in 1956 and UM-Dearborn in 1959. All three campuses are governed by the University of Michigan Board of Regents and are overseen by the University President. Chancellors of the regional campuses serve as executive officers of the university and report directly to the President. The three U-M campuses work together in a synergistic, mutually beneficial fashion.

University of Michigan-Dearborn

UM-Dearborn was founded in 1959 through a gift of land from the Ford Motor Company and Ford Motor Company Fund. Situated on 200 beautiful acres of Henry Ford's original estate alongside the Rouge River, the campus features 70 acres of nature preserve, a peaceful escape within the urban landscape just ten miles from downtown Detroit. The scenic Rouge Gateway Trail weaves through campus, connecting to the larger Hines Park Trail and providing opportunities for walking, biking, and running through woods, past Fair Lane Lake, and near Ford's historic estate. The location of UM-Dearborn's campus also allows easy access to downtown Dearborn and beyond. Dearborn, part of the greater Detroit metropolitan area, is best known for its automotive history and is recognized today for its rich cultural and ethnic diversity.

Recent capital projects at UM-Dearborn include the completion of transformational renovations to the Engineering Lab Building and Science Building, a new Welcome Center for student services, and ongoing upgrades to the College of Arts, Sciences, and Letters and athletics facilities. These investments, alongside campus-wide sustainability initiatives, demonstrate a strong commitment to advancing academic excellence, student experience, and environmental stewardship.

Detroit is undergoing an inspiring period of growth and revitalization... [truncated for brevity, but include full relevant content in actual]

Organizational Profile

As part of the University of Michigan, UM-Dearborn enjoys the resources of a large research university while maintaining the advantages of a moderate-sized institution. It has approximately 8,000 students... [full details on students, budget, colleges, faculty, research, rankings, mission, governance]

KEY PRIORITIES

[Full list of priorities: strategic plan, raise profile, academic excellence, financial resources, student success, regional relationships, inclusive community]

DESIRED ATTRIBUTES

The ideal candidate will be a visionary... [full list: strategic vision, faculty support, passion for HE, community engagement, resource development, etc.]

Inquiries, nominations and applications are invited. Interested candidates should submit confidentially... curriculum vitae and letter of interest to UMDearborn.Chancellor@russellreynolds.com. ... submit materials by January 15, 2026 for priority consideration.

UM-Dearborn is being assisted by Russell Reynolds Associates. Confidential discussions may be arranged by contacting:
Jett Pihakis jett.pihakis@russellreynolds.com
Zach Messitte zach.messitte@russellreynolds.com
Joi Hayes-Scott joi.hayes@russellreynolds.com