Regents unanimously affirm Domenico Grasso as interim president; Grasso pledges unity across campuses

The University of Michigan Board of Regents unanimously affirmed Domenico Grasso as interim president and immediately heard remarks from Grasso, who pledged to unify the Ann Arbor, Dearborn and Flint campuses and to prioritize faculty support and community engagement.

Regent White moved to affirm Grasso’s appointment and the motion carried by voice vote. After the vote, Grasso thanked the board for its trust, introduced his wife Susan Grasso, recounted joining the university community in 1983, and said he and his family will relocate to the President’s House during the interim period. He described public universities as the “lifeblood of an educated citizenry” and said he welcomes dialogue even when views differ.

Grasso highlighted recent campus achievements, including spring commencements and NCAA athletic accomplishments, and identified today’s agenda items—such as faculty promotions and tenure decisions—as central to sustaining the university’s academic mission. He said he looks forward to working with campus chancellors and the Board to broaden Michigan’s impact "on all three campuses in ways that benefit our communities, nation and world."

The board conducted the affirmation at the start of the meeting and proceeded with the agenda, including multiple committee reports, faculty promotion recommendations, and capital project approvals.

The board adjourned after public comment and routine business; Grasso’s appointment stands while the university proceeds with normal governance and upcoming agenda items.