News Story

Recognizing University of Michigan’s unique ability to serve the public good, President Domenico Grasso has announced an ambitious evolution to U-M’s vision.

First launched as Vision 2034, the sharpened strategic vision is now known as Look to Michigan and is expanded to include a new pillar: advanced technology, an objective vital to the growth and well-being of the state, nation and world.

Look to Michigan defines dynamic objectives and guides the university’s historic fundraising campaign, growing from foundational core pillars shaped by more than 25,000 students, faculty, staff, alumni, donors and local community members in 2024.

“As the most comprehensive and distinguished public university in the world, the University of Michigan bears a profound responsibility not only to lead in scholarship and innovation but also to serve as a thoughtful compass in challenging times,” Grasso said.

“Universities, by their nature, are bold. What sets Michigan apart is a determination driven by the intellectual depth and expanse of our world-class faculty, the curiosity and energy of our students, and the myriad talents of our staff, all with a deep commitment to serving the public good,” he said. “This is our opportunity to move into the passing lane with clarity and purpose —  leading our peers in reaffirming our indispensable role in society and enduring commitment to work in the public interest.” 

In an era marked by growing challenges toward higher education, U-M’s new vision will further boost its capacity to develop exemplary students and graduates, produce innovative research discoveries, provide engaging and thought-provoking cultural offerings, and deliver life-changing health care to millions of residents.

---

---

The Look to Michigan vision is inclusive of the Ann Arbor, Dearborn and Flint campuses, and Michigan Medicine.

Look to Michigan recommits to four crucial impact areas:

Life-changing education – U-M will become the institution where others turn to see what revolutionizing education can look like. The university will continue to leverage its robust expertise across education, academic innovation, research, technology, athletics, and the arts to educate the next generation of leaders who one day will redefine their fields by pushing the boundaries of research, education and clinical care.

Human health and well-being – By combining the breadth of disciplines across the university with our academic excellence in health education and our inherent collaboration that supports our interdisciplinary strength, we will create the ideal conditions for pioneering approaches in healthcare delivery and education.

Democratic, civic and global engagement – U-M will model what it means to convene and engage across ideological viewpoints, restore and elevate free inquiry, civic discourse and engagement, and strengthen democratic institutions through education and action. 

Energy, climate action, sustainability and environmental equity – The university will pioneer solutions and approaches that demonstrate an understanding of the seemingly insatiable need to fuel our society. U-M will do this while also considering the consequences of environmental harm on various communities, as well as being accountable to future generations and those communities disproportionately affected. 

Working with other senior leaders, Grasso has expanded Look to Michigan to encompass “energy” in the fourth impact area above and added the advanced technology impact area.

“We will develop and harness innovation responsibly, ensuring that breakthroughs in biotechnology, artificial intelligence, data science, nanotechnology, advanced manufacturing, and digital and urban infrastructure, among many others, serve the common good and improve the human condition,” Grasso said. “We will develop these technologies with transparency and public input.”

To achieve the Look to Michigan goals, U-M will continue longstanding partnerships with federal and state governments, as well as donors, and wisely use the resources they provide to make the world safer, healthier and more equitable. The university will also identify internal strategic investment funds, including returns on endowment, investment dividends and financial reserves.

---

---

Grasso said the university will continue to invest in the strategic vision.

“Our $1 billion commitment, launched in 2024, will be sustained through a renewable yearly investment of $100 million,” Grasso said.

Board of Regents Chair Mark Bernstein said Look to Michigan exemplifies the relentless spirit that makes the university a leader in education and research.

“Since 1817, the University of Michigan has taken bold steps to challenge the definition of excellence,” Bernstein said. “Look to Michigan represents the thousands of students, faculty and staff who today and in the future will break the molds of greatness and reimagine what a public university can achieve.”

Launched in April 2024 after a year of gathering input from the campus community, Vision 2034 pledged to make U-M the defining public university, “boldly exemplified by our innovation and service to the common good.” Look to Michigan takes that audacious goal and elevates expectations.

The vision is consonant with the university’s most ambitious and innovative fundraising campaign to date, a goal of raising $7 billion — the largest effort in its history and the largest known campaign goal of any public university. That campaign launched in October 2024 as Look to Michigan.