Susan M. Collins has been approved as the University of Michigan’s next provost after being appointed interim Provost in March. Collins initially replaced previous Provost Martin Philbert after he was placed on administrative leave in March following multiple allegations of sexual misconduct. Collins is a former Dean of the Ford School of Public Policy and a former economics and public policy professor.
The role of the provost includes oversight over the University’s 19 schools and colleges. According to the website of the Office of the Provost, the primary responsibility of the Provost is to support academic priorities with budgetary decisions.
Collins was approved in a virtual meeting by the Board of Regents on July 16. She said in a University Record announcement she is looking forward to fulfilling her role as Provost.
“I’m honored to be part of the team that will lead the university as we navigate the uncertainties that the pandemic has brought to the world,” Collins said. “Higher education has a critical role to play in addressing these challenges. I look forward to working with U-M’s faculty, students and staff in developing responses that will strengthen our society and enrich our shared future.”
University President Mark Schlissel said Collins has helped guide the University community during the current COVID-19 pandemic.
“From the time of her appointment as acting provost in January and later as interim, she has provided inspired and steadfast leadership as the chief academic and budgetary officer for the university,” Schlissel said. “I very much appreciate the leadership, insights and stability she has provided to our institution during the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Summer Managing News Editor Jasmin Lee can be reached at itsshlee@umich.edu. Daily Staff Reporter Varsha Vedapudi can be reached at varshakv@umich.edu.