News Summary
The University of Michigan Board of Regents has appointed Domenico Grasso as interim president following the resignation of Santa Ono, who is moving to the University of Florida. Grasso, currently chancellor at UM-Dearborn, has overseen significant achievements including record student enrollments and improved graduation rates. He will lead the university during the search for a permanent president. The transition marks a pivotal moment for the institution as it addresses ongoing challenges and looks to future leadership.
Ann Arbor, Michigan – The University of Michigan Board of Regents has appointed Domenico Grasso as interim president, following the resignation of Santa Ono, who will take on the presidency at the University of Florida. Grasso currently serves as the chancellor of the University of Michigan-Dearborn and has been in that role for seven years.
Grasso’s appointment comes just four days after Ono announced his departure. The formal affirmation of Grasso’s role as interim president is set for the next Board of Regents meeting on May 15.
Achievements at UM-Dearborn
As chancellor of UM-Dearborn, Grasso has achieved significant milestones. He oversaw record student enrollments, achieving a historic high for first-year students. Additionally, he secured the necessary sanctioning from the Rackham Graduate School for all doctoral programs offered at the Dearborn campus. Under his leadership, there was a 16% increase in the four-year graduation rate, contributing to an improved academic environment.
Grasso’s Vision and Commitment
Grasso expressed his honor in stepping into the role of interim president and reaffirmed his commitment to the university’s mission. He is set to guide the institution during the search for a permanent president but has indicated that he will not pursue the position for himself.
Santa Ono’s Tenure and Departure
Santa Ono’s departure marks a notable transition for the university. He will assume his role in Florida this summer, where he aims to position the University of Florida as the nation’s leading public university. During his time at Michigan, Ono faced challenges, including campus unrest linked to pro-Palestine activism and backlash regarding cuts to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs.
Contentious Issues During Ono’s Presidency
Ono’s administration dealt with a variety of controversies, particularly surrounding the handling of DEI initiatives and political issues on campus. His actions received criticism from various factions on campus, raising discussions about governance and support for minority groups. At the University of Florida, Ono plans to prioritize efforts against antisemitism while ensuring that peaceful protests are supported on campus.
Leadership Transition at UM-Dearborn
In the wake of Grasso’s appointment as interim president, Gabriella Scarlatta, currently the provost of UM-Dearborn, will serve as interim chancellor for the Dearborn campus. This change in leadership reflects a broader reorganization within the university’s administrative structure.
Grasso’s Background and Initiatives
Grasso holds a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering and has a distinguished military background as a U.S. Army officer. His tenure at UM-Dearborn has been marked by notable initiatives, including the Go Blue Guarantee, a tuition support program designed for families earning less than $125,000 a year. Under his leadership, external research funding for the university tripled, and a need-based financial aid model was implemented, demonstrating his commitment to accessibility and academic support.
Looking Ahead
The University of Michigan is now in the process of transitioning leadership, with Grasso at the helm during this period of change. His extensive experience and strategic accomplishments at UM-Dearborn will likely influence the direction the university takes as it moves forward in the search for its next permanent president.
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