ÂÜÀòÉç

Dear Colleagues,

I am writing to share news of additional leadership transitions on campus.

Chancellor Grasso’s appointment as University of Michigan president last week has created an opportunity for others on the ÂÜÀòÉç-Dearborn campus to step into temporary leadership roles while a search for a permanent president and chancellor is conducted.

The following changes are effective immediately:

• Armen Zakarian, vice provost for research and dean of graduate studies, has agreed to serve as the interim dean of the College of Engineering and Computer Science.
• Ken Kettenbeil, vice chancellor for external relations, will move to ÂÜÀòÉç-Ann Arbor to serve as a senior advisor to President Grasso. Ken will return to his role upon the appointment of a new university president.
• Casandra Ulbrich, vice chancellor for institutional advancement, will lead external relations until Ken’s return and continue in her current role. Director of Marketing and Digital Strategy Bailey Ayers-Korpal and Director of Communications Kristin Palm will take on additional responsibilities during this time.
• Rima Berry-Hung, senior director of human resources, will be taking on additional duties as senior advisor to the chancellor, along with her current role.
• Joan Remski, associate provost for faculty development and digital learning, will move to the Office of Research as the interim vice provost for research and dean of graduate studies.
• Stein Brunvand, associate dean and director of graduate programs of the College of Education, Health, and Human Services, will move to the Office of the Provost  as interim associate provost for faculty development and digital learning.
   

In addition, Human Resources now reports to the chancellor to align with the equity, civil rights and Title IX office and the office of holistic excellence. This is a permanent change.

President Grasso plans to retire after a permanent University of Michigan president is named.

I will continue to evaluate the needs of the university and make any necessary adjustments to ensure continuity and allow us to meet the needs of our faculty, staff and students. I will continue to keep you informed as we move forward.

Thank you for your continued support during this time of transition. The temporary changes would not be possible without the dedicated and talented leadership team we have at ÂÜÀòÉç-Dearborn!

Please help me congratulate Armen, Ken, Casandra, Rima, Bailey, Kristin, Joan, and Stein. 

Go Blue – Go Dearborn!

Gabriella Scarlatta
Interim Chancellor