Remembering Ismael Ahmed (Feb. 2, 2026)

Dear Colleagues,

I am writing to share the sad news that former associate provost and senior advisor to the chancellor, and current Citizens Advisory Committee member, Ismael Ahmed, passed away over the weekend. 

Ismael's history with UM-Dearborn dates back far earlier than his time as a leader or advisor here. He was also an alum of the university, and in 1973, while still a student, he co-founded the Arab Community Center for Economic and Social Services (ACCESS) and served as its executive director. He also served on the executive administration of the National Arab American Museum in Dearborn, one of the first museums of its type in the country. 

Ismael went on to become director of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services under Governor Jennifer Granholm. He then returned to UM-Dearborn as associate provost and, after that, senior advisor to the chancellor. He established our Office of Metropolitan Impact (now the Office of Community-Engaged Learning) and launched Public Allies of Metro Detroit, which connected youth volunteers with local nonprofits and provided them with research opportunities. In recognition of these many contributions, he was named our Distinguished Alum of the Year in 2010.

Ismael's dedication to UM-Dearborn continued through his membership on our Citizens Advisory Committee, where his insight on and devotion to our local community, and especially to those who are underserved, was highly valued.

Today, I offer my condolences to Ismael’s family and to his many friends here at UM-Dearborn. As is fitting for someone who made such a profound difference, there have been remembrances and tributes in a number of news outlets, including the Arab American News, the Detroit Free Press and the Detroit News. I encourage you to read them and learn even more about Ismael’s lasting impact on our community and beyond.

Sincerely,
Gabriella Scarlatta
Interim Chancellor