Geoffrey Chatas, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
University of Michigan
University of Michigan
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In a full-circle moment of leadership, Domenico Grasso was officially appointed as interim president during the Board of Regents regular meeting May 15 on the UM-Dearborn campus, where he had spent seven years as chancellor.
The gathering was especially significant for President Grasso, who opened his remarks by reflecting on the role the university has played in shaping his life and career.
“I joined the U-M community in the fall of 1983, when I began pursuing a doctorate in the College of Engineering,” Grasso said. “That is also where I met my wife, Susan. Both experiences have changed my life. To be sitting here, as president, some 40 years later is a tremendous privilege.”
He pledged to continue broadening U-M’s impact and unite with faculty, students, staff and regents.
“I have devoted my career to higher education because it is the lifeblood of an educated citizenry,” Grasso told the regents. “This is especially true of public universities, and there is no greater public university than the University of Michigan. We advance our state and the nation in so many ways, from exceptional health care and transformative research to new knowledge created by faculty and the myriad contributions of our alumni.”
Grasso told the board he and his wife will relocate to the president’s house in Ann Arbor during the search process for the new president. Grasso already indicated he will not seek the permanent president role.
Board Chair Katherine White led the unanimous vote of regent support.
“We are so grateful for your willingness to serve and for your commitment to this university,” White said. “Duty is inextricably bound with honor, and you have demonstrated it again and again.
“We thank you for all you’ve done as chancellor at UM-Dearborn, and we look forward to your leadership in the days ahead.”
White also thanked the regents for acting with decisiveness in swiftly naming Grasso. “I remain so proud to serve with you today,” she said.
UM-Dearborn Interim Chancellor Gabriella Scarlatta thanked Grasso on behalf of Dearborn’s leadership.
“This is symbolic that we are here in Dearborn today,” she said. “We are grateful for the chancellor for his guidance during his years at Dearborn, and we have extreme confidence in his abilities (as president).”
Speaking on the faculty promotions and tenure appointments that were approved during the meeting, Grasso reflected on his own academic journey.
“Many of us around the table remember the joy, pride, and, yes, relief that came with receiving tenure,” he said. “As president, I want to foster a vibrant environment where the best minds continue to thrive. Today’s promotions contribute deeply to that. I know you will join me in extending congratulations to these faculty members.”
