University of Michigan - Dearborn

Chancellor

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 chancellor reports directly to the President of the University of Michigan, serves as an executive officer of the University of Michigan, and meets regularly with the Regents of the University of Michigan. The chancellor has a high level of autonomy with respect to leadership and oversight of the Dearborn campus and serves as a member of the President’s cabinet.

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. The Dearborn campus is home to approximately 8,000 students (approximately 6,200 undergraduates, 1,670 master’s, and 130 doctoral), 223 tenure-track faculty, 240 lecturers, and 501 staff. Over 90% of full-time faculty hold a doctorate or other appropriate terminal degree. U.S News and World Report consistently names UM-Dearborn one of the best regional universities in the Midwest. This year, the university was ranked the #1 regional public university in Michigan and 3rd in the Midwest.

With a 2025-2026 operating budget of $183 million, UM-Dearborn is comprised of four major academic units: College of Arts, Sciences, and Letters; College of Engineering and Computer Science; College of Business; and College of Education, Health and Human Services. UM-Dearborn has experienced significant research growth over the past decade, with expenditures reaching $14 million last year. This growth earned the university its R2 Carnegie designation in 2025. Through Innovation Partnerships, the University of Michigan’s nexus for research commercialization, researchers receive support to develop and commercialize their innovations.

UM-Dearborn serves as a vital talent pipeline for Southeast Michigan. Ninety-four percent of students are Michigan residents, and more than 90% choose to build their careers in the state after graduation. UM-Dearborn is distinguished for its transformative educational approach and exceptional commitment to upward mobility. Over 44% of undergraduates are first-generation college students, and more than 50% qualify for Pell grants. Thirty-five percent of undergraduate students receive full tuition and fee coverage through scholarships and grants. The Carnegie Foundation recently named UM-Dearborn an “Opportunity University” for its work with Pell-eligible students.

Founded in 1959 through a gift of land from the Ford Motor Company and Ford Motor Company Fund, UM-Dearborn is 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. Recent capital projects 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. Since 1970, UM-Dearborn has earned accreditation through The Higher Learning Commission. In 2023, the university received positive ratings in all assessment areas, resulting in the university receiving accreditation through the 2033-2034 academic year.

As the chief executive officer of UM-Dearborn, the next chancellor will play a critical role in ensuring the successful implementation of UM-Dearborn’s 10-year strategic plan, GO BLUEprint for Success, now in its fourth year; raising the profile of the campus; enhancing academic excellence and building research capacity; securing financial resources, growing the endowment, and ensuring long-term financial sustainability; promoting student success; strengthening UM-Dearborn’s relationship with the broader region; and promoting an inclusive community where all stakeholders feel a sense of belonging.

The ideal candidate will be a visionary, ethical, and empathetic leader with deep higher education experience and a passion for the mission of a regional public university. Of the utmost importance is an understanding of UM-Dearborn’s mission and a genuine desire to be part of the tightly-knit UM-Dearborn community. The strongest candidates will demonstrate most of the following: strategic vision and leadership; faculty and staff support and talent development; passion for higher education and academic excellence; community engagement; resource development; holistic excellence; financial management; communication and community building; student-centered approach; change management; integrity and academic values. An earned doctorate or terminal degree is preferred.

The full Prospectus can be found at https://bit.ly/4qqengT.

Inquiries, nominations, and applications are invited. Interested candidates should submit confidentially, in electronic form (Microsoft Word or Adobe PDF files preferred), a curriculum vitae and a letter of interest to:

Jett Pihakis, Zach Messitte, and Joi Hayes-Scott

Consultants to the Search Committee

Russell Reynolds Associates  

UMDearborn.Chancellor@russellreynolds.com

(202) 654-7800

Though all materials received will be reviewed, please submit materials by January 15, 2026 for priority consideration.

The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.