The University of Michigan has appointed Domenico Grasso as its interim president following the sudden departure of Santa Ono, who stepped down on May 4 to assume the presidency at the University of Florida. Grasso, who has served as chancellor of the university’s Dearborn campus since 2018, began his new role immediately. The Board of Regents expressed strong support for Grasso’s appointment, citing his visionary leadership and deep familiarity with the university system. The board is set to formally affirm his interim role during a meeting scheduled for May 15 at the Dearborn campus.
In a statement to the university community, Grasso described the appointment as a “profound honor” and pledged to lead with “energy, integrity and dedication.” The interim president will not be a candidate in the search for a permanent leader—a search he will help guide during his tenure.
Academic Background and Administrative Experience
Domenico Grasso brings a robust academic and administrative background to his interim presidency. He holds a doctorate in environmental engineering from the University of Michigan and has held senior roles at several major institutions, including the University of Vermont, Smith College, and the University of Connecticut. At Vermont, he served as vice president for research and dean of the College of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences.
In addition to his leadership duties at U-M Dearborn, Grasso has remained actively involved in teaching, offering courses in public policy and sustainable engineering. Gabriella Scarlatta, the current provost and executive vice chancellor for academic affairs at U-M Dearborn, has been named interim chancellor of that campus while Grasso serves in his new university-wide role.
Challenges Awaiting the Interim Leadership of University of Michigan
Grasso assumes leadership of the University of Michigan at a particularly turbulent time. The university is grappling with a variety of pressing issues, including the threat of federal funding cuts, legal action concerning its response to campus war protests, and an ongoing NCAA investigation into its football program. These challenges will require steady and experienced oversight—something the Board of Regents believes Grasso can provide.
The leadership change comes just months after the Board had extended Santa Ono’s contract through 2032, increasing his annual salary to $1.3 million. Ono’s unexpected move to the University of Florida marks a significant shift in leadership direction, making Grasso’s steady hand and institutional knowledge all the more critical during the transition.
As the university navigates these complex challenges, Grasso is expected to provide the continuity and strategic direction necessary to maintain stability across the university’s multiple campuses. His interim role will be key in shaping the environment and criteria for selecting the next permanent president, while ensuring that the university’s mission and values remain intact.
Also Read:- University of Michigan President Santa Ono to Step Down for New Role at University of Florida
