New Appointments
Coleman Begins Second Term
Mary Sue Coleman began her second five-year term as U-M president in July 2007. She received unanimous support for reappointment from the Board of Regents following an extensive performance review that included input from faculty, staff, students, and others engaged with the University.
The Regents praised Coleman for her “exemplary” leadership, citing her track record of outstanding accomplishments. As president, Coleman has enhanced the University’s international reputation as an institution dedicated to excellence in teaching, pathbreaking research, and public service that changes lives.
“I have the best job in higher education. The University of Michigan is just unparalleled,” said Coleman in thanking the Board. “This institution has historically played a critical and pivotal role in higher education, and it’s going to assume even more leadership responsibilities as we move forward.”
Coleman joined the University in the summer of 2002 after serving as president of the University of Iowa for seven years.
Dr. Robert P. Kelch’s position as U-M executive vice president for medical affairs and the Health System’s chief executive was extended for one year to September 2009. During his tenure, the Health System has experienced unprecedented expansion and has seen notable, nationally recognized achievements in research collaborations, strategic planning, and quality improvements.
David Lampe was named vice president for communications, effective September 7, 2007. Lampe is the former executive director of marketing and communications at Harvard Business School, a position he held since 2002. Prior to that he held marketing and communications directorships at Arthur D. Little, Inc., Boston University, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Susan M. Collins was named the Joan and Sanford Weill Dean of Public Policy at the Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy, effective September 1, 2007. Prior to her appointment, Collins held positions at Georgetown University, Harvard University, and the Brookings Institution. Her area of expertise is international economics, including issues in both macroeconomics and trade. Collins has published extensively in professional journals and volumes.
Paul N. Courant, U-M provost from 2002-2005, was chosen as University librarian and dean of University Libraries, effective March 1, 2007. The position oversees 19 libraries on the Ann Arbor campus. Courant currently is the Harold T. Shapiro Collegiate Professor of Public Policy in the Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy, Arthur F. Thurnau Professor, professor of economics in LSA, and professor of information in the School of Information.
John Helmuth II was appointed the new dean for the UM-Flint School of Management, effective July 1, 2007. Helmuth served since 2002 at Niagara University, NY, as the dean for the College of Business Administration. Prior to his appointment at Niagara, Helmuth served from 1996-2002 at UM-Dearborn as chair of the Department of Accounting and Finance and as acting assistant dean. He has published three books and numerous journal articles.
David Munson, Jr. was named the Robert J. Vlasic Dean of Engineering, effective July 1, 2006. He joined U-M as professor and chair of the Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS) department in 2003. At EECS, he increased the commitment to education programs, planned extensive renovation and expansion of laboratories, and increased relationships with alumni and industry. Previously, he was on the faculty of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
Martha Pollack, professor of electrical engineering and computer science, has been named dean of the School of Information, effective August 1, 2007. Pollack joined the College of Engineering in 2000, and since 2004 has served as associate chair for computer science and engineering. Pollack recently was honored with a 2007 Sarah Goddard Power Award for her contributions to the betterment of women at U-M and globally.
Dr. Robert A. Winfield was appointed to the newly created position of chief health officer in September 2006. Winfield, the director of the University Health Services (UHS), will continue to serve in that capacity while taking on the responsibilities of this new role. He served as a physician and administrator with UHS since 1980 and as its director since 1999. For many years, he led the UHS Periodic Health Appraisal Unit, which developed ways to improve health and wellness for U-M employees.
Dr. James O. Woolliscroft will serve a five-year appointment as dean of the U-M Medical School, effective July 1, 2007. During his tenure as interim dean, he oversaw the expansion of state-of-the-art facilities, a rise in NIH funding, an increase in the permanent endowment, and a top-10 rank in U.S. News & World Report. An internationally recognized medical educator, he played major roles in the training of U-M medical students, residents, and fellows.