SUBJECT: EIC Announcement

Dear Colleagues,

I write with some exciting news!  As of July 1st, the Environmental Interpretive Center will move from the College of Arts, Sciences, and Letters to the Office of the Provost. This move has been under consideration and discussion among senior leadership for some time. We also consulted with external organizations including Dr. Tony Kolenic, Director of the Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum, who toured our EIC facility and grounds in fall 2022. This new reporting structure will provide greater visibility for the EIC both on our campus and within the wider Dearborn/Detroit Metropolitan community. The move also aligns with our strategic goals to enhance interdisciplinary teaching and research collaborations along with direct engagement with local communities for faculty and students.

I am also happy to announce the appointment of Dr. Jacob Napieralski, Professor of Geology, as Director of the EIC starting July 1st, 2023. His experience and research in the areas of accessible nature, environmental change, urban rivers, Geographic Information Science, quaternary geology, and the impact of urbanization on environmental health will provide the EIC with expert and visionary leadership. Together with the EIC staff - Dorothy McLeer, Program Coordinator and Interpretive Naturalist, Rick Simek, Program Supervisor and Manager of the Environmental Study Area, and Dale Browne, Program Assistant, Dr. Napieralski will continue the EIC’s impactful work and develop a strategic vision for the center.

Finally, I want to thank Dr. Claudia Walters, who has served as EIC director for the past three years, for her leadership and dedication to the EIC programming and activities.

I hope you can take advantage of the EIC’s peaceful nature trails and programming during the summer months.

With all best wishes,

Gabriella

Gabriella Scarlatta
Provost & Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs