Provost Search Advisory Committee (June 15, 2026)

Dear Colleagues,

I am pleased to share an update regarding our search for UM-Dearborn’s next provost and executive vice chancellor for academic affairs. 

We will be launching this search shortly, and I am grateful that Kim Killu, professor of education in the College of Education, Health, and Human Services, has agreed to serve alongside me as co-chair of the search advisory committee. The position description can be found here.

The following individuals have agreed to serve on the search advisory committee:

• Crystal Amen, Associate Professor of Marketing, COB
• Finn Bell, Assistant Professor of Human Services, CEHHS
• Yubao Chen, Professor of Manufacturing and Systems Engineering, CECS
• Susanne Gassel, Director of CASL Advising and Academic Success Office, CASL 
• Nila Hooper, undergraduate student 
• Kelly Jabbusch, Professor of Mathematics, CASL
• Shelly Jarenski, Associate Professor of English Literature, CASL 
• Kas Kasravi, Clinical Professor of Industrial and Manufacturing Systems Engineering, CECS
• Mercedes Miranda, Lecturer IV in Accounting and Finance, COB 
• Scott Riggs, Director of Global Engagement, Office of Academic Affairs
• Casandra Ulbrich, Vice Chancellor for Institutional Advancement 
• Tracy Vogt, University Registrar, Office of Academic Affairs
• Thomas Wesley, Student Ombuds and Special Assistant to the Dean of Students, Student Affairs

Lisa Copeland, Associate Director of Human Resources, will serve as advisor to the committee, and Jackie Kortes will provide administrative support.

Kim and I will provide updates to the campus community throughout the process. You can expect to see additional information regarding planned faculty and staff forums in the coming weeks. I am confident we will attract a robust pool of well-qualified candidates for this critical position, and I look forward to embarking on the journey to identify our next provost. 

Sincerely, 
Gabriella Scarlatta
Chancellor