The University of Michigan Board of Regents has reappointed Jonathan Massey as dean of Taubman College, effective July 1, 2022, through June 30, 2027, following an extensive review process.
During Dean Massey’s tenure, Taubman College has developed new undergraduate programs, including a first-of-its-kind undergraduate degree in Urban Technology that uses data- and technology-based approaches to planning, developing, designing, and using buildings and cities. A new undergraduate minor in Real Estate Development was developed cooperatively with the Ross School of Business and the School of Kinesiology. Taubman College facilities have been expanded and improved with the opening of the A. Alfred Taubman Wing and investments in computing and instructional technology. Along with improved infrastructure for advanced research, the college has increased collaboration with campus partners and industry and participated in campus-wide research initiatives such as the Urban Collaboratory, Poverty Solutions, and the Arts Initiative.
In an announcement of the reappointment, U-M Provost Susan Collins noted that Dean Massey has pursued academic leadership through listening to, learning from, and supporting the many constituencies of the Taubman College, as well as the community partners and publics that the profession serves. She cited his collaboration with faculty to strengthen participation in shared governance, as well as with students to elevate their role in college decision-making and to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We are grateful for his early leadership on the resilient teaching committee and contributions to the re-entry planning committee during the onset of the pandemic,” she said.
Provost Collins also lauded Dean Massey’s collaboration on anti-racism measures with Design Justice Actions, a student-led racial justice advocacy group.
“In the domain of research and creative practice, Dean Massey has embraced the goal of putting the tools and intellectual capacities of architecture and urban planning more directly at the service of equity and justice to strengthen social transformation,” she said. Additionally, she noted that as co-chair since 2020 of the university’s Arts Initiative, “Dean Massey is working with faculty, staff, and students across campus to expand access to the arts on campus and beyond, activate them in student learning, and integrate the arts into research across disciplines.”
Collins went on to say, “Dean Massey’s collaborative approach is appreciated and valued by many across the university.”