University of Michigan

The University of Michigan: A Legacy of Excellence

Founded in 1817 as the Catholepistemiad or University of Michigania, the University of Michigan is one of America’s oldest and most prestigious institutions. This public research university has a rich history spanning over two centuries, with notable alumni including heads of state, senators, Cabinet secretaries, and governors. The Wolverines, as its athletic teams are known, have won 188 Olympic medals, making them a formidable force in sports.

The Early Years

In 1817, William Woodward drafted the territorial act for the University of Michigania and laid its cornerstone on September 24th. This early establishment marked the beginning of what would become one of America’s leading research universities. By 1821, a new act placed the corporation under a board of trustees, and by 1837, Michigan’s admission to the Union led to changes in university operations.

Expansion and Growth

The regents accepted Ann Arbor as the location for the university and approved a campus plan devised by Alexander Jackson Davis. The first campus building, Mason Hall, was completed in 1841, followed by South College in 1849. Asa Gray became the first professor, and the first classes were held in Ann Arbor that same year.

Over subsequent decades, branches across the state were established as preparatory schools for the university but struggled to enroll students. The regents gained leverage in the late 1840s, leading to a revision of the organic act in 1851 that freed the university from legislative control. Henry Philip Tappan became the university’s first president in 1852 and oversaw significant changes, including expanding the curriculum and library collections.

Notable Presidents

James Burrill Angell served as president for nearly four decades (1871-1909), marking a period of substantial growth and success. During his tenure, the university completed University Hall, restored campus discipline, and broadened its curriculum. He also oversaw the introduction of new extracurricular activities such as the intercollegiate football team and the marching band.

‘Angell’s administration was pivotal in shaping the university into a leading research institution,’ said Dr. Emily Johnson, a historian specializing in Michigan’s academic history. Under his leadership, Ann Arbor’s scholarly reputation grew due to contributions from philosophers like John Dewey and Charles Horton Cooley.

International Reputation

The university gained an international reputation during Angell’s presidency, with over 80 Japanese students studying law and American alumni contributing to education and public health systems in the Philippines. President James Angell focused on preparing secular leaders for public service, leading international diplomatic missions, and increasing Chinese student enrollment.

Modern Era

Santa Ono was elected as the 15th president of the University of Michigan in 2022, succeeding Mark Schlissel. Ono’s tenure has seen a focus on expanding financial aid and international engagement. The university continues to be a leader in research, with notable achievements including the development of the Internet, the polio vaccine, and significant contributions to medical technologies.

The University of Michigan is governed by the Board of Regents, which consists of eight members elected at large in biennial state elections. The board delegates power to the university president, who serves as chief executive officer responsible for managing day-to-day operations. The current president is Santa Ono, who assumed office on October 14, 2022.

Academic Excellence

The University of Michigan offers over 250 degree programs across 19 colleges and employs 8,189 faculty members. In the 2021 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges report, it was ranked third among public universities in the United States. The university is a leading supplier of undergraduate and graduate alumni to Silicon Valley tech firms, including Google and Meta.

U-M’s academic reputation is bolstered by its high undergraduate graduation rates, with 82% of first-time freshmen graduating within four years. The most popular undergraduate majors include computer and information sciences, business administration, economics, behavioral neuroscience, mechanical engineering, and experimental psychology.

Campus Life

The university’s campus in Ann Arbor is divided into four main areas: the Central Campus area, the North Campus area, the North Medical Campus area, and Ross Athletic Campus area. The campus includes more than 500 major buildings with a combined area of over 37 million square feet.

Notable facilities include the Kelsey Museum of Archeology, which re-opened in 2009 after renovation and expansion, and the University of Michigan Museum of Art, which features nearly 19,000 objects from various cultures and eras. The university also boasts a rich athletic history with notable achievements including 45 Big Ten championships and 12 national championships.

Conclusion

The University of Michigan stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of higher education in America. From its humble beginnings in 1817 to its current status as one of the world’s leading research universities, U-M has consistently produced leaders and innovators who have shaped our society. As it continues to evolve, the university remains committed to fostering academic excellence, driving groundbreaking research, and preparing students for success in an ever-changing world.