History of University of Michigan in Timeline

Share: FB Share X Share Reddit Share Reddit Share
University of Michigan

The University of Michigan, established in 1817 in Ann Arbor, is a leading public research university and the oldest higher education institution in Michigan. As a founding member of the Association of American Universities, it's recognized as one of the nation's earliest research universities. In the fall of 2023, the university had 8,189 faculty members and a student body of 52,065. It is known for its academic programs and research contributions.

1902: Dexter M. Ferry Donated Land Adjacent to Regents Field

In 1902, Dexter M. Ferry donated land adjacent to Regents Field, and the entire complex was renamed Ferry Field.

1902: Michigan Won the First Rose Bowl Game

In 1902, the Michigan football team won the first Rose Bowl game.

1904: West Medical Building Designed by Spier & Rohns

In 1904, Spier & Rohns designed the West Medical Building, contributing to the architecture of the Central Campus.

April 1907: University Voted Out of Western Conference

In April 1907, the University of Michigan was voted out of the Western Conference for refusing to adhere to league rules.

1907: Michigan Withdrew from the Western Conference

After Michigan temporarily withdrew from the Western Conference in 1907, a new Michigan fight song, "Varsity", was written in 1911 because the line "champions of the West" was no longer appropriate.

1908: John Worth Kern's Vice Presidential Candidacy

In 1908, John Worth Kern, an alumnus of the University of Michigan, ran for the vice presidency alongside William Jennings Bryan, representing the Democratic Party.

1909: Angell's Retirement

In 1909, President Angell retired from the University of Michigan after many years of service. His successor was Harry Burns Hutchins.

1909: Regent Clements Appointed Building and Grounds Committee Chairman

In 1909, Regent William L. Clements became chairman of the Building and Grounds Committee, which led to Albert Kahn's growing influence in the architectural development of the university. Clements, impressed by Kahn's work, awarded him multiple commissions and appointed him as the university's supervising architect.

1910: Hutchins Assumes Presidency

In 1910, Harry Burns Hutchins became president of the university, marking the first time an alumnus held the position. He had previously established the Cornell Law School and introduced the case method of instruction at his alma mater.

1910: Chemistry Building Designed by Smith, Hinchman and Grylls

In 1910, Smith, Hinchman and Grylls designed the Chemistry Building, contributing to the architecture of the Central Campus.

1910: West Engineering Hall Designed by Kahn

In 1910, the West Engineering Hall was designed by Albert Kahn. The building exhibited a simple design with minimal ornamentation due to limited construction funding during that time.

1911: Varsity Fight Song was Written

In 1911, after Michigan temporarily withdrew from the Western Conference in 1907, the new Michigan fight song, "Varsity", was written.

1913: Hill Auditorium Designed by Kahn

In 1913, Albert Kahn designed the Hill Auditorium, which was adequately funded by Regent Arthur Hill. The auditorium features extensive Sullivanesque ornamentation and excellent acoustic design, which was rare for that period.

1914: Demolition of the Old Medical Building

In 1914, the Old Medical Building was demolished.

1915: Martha Cook Building Completed

In 1915, the Martha Cook Building, designed by York and Sawyer, Samuel Parsons, and George A. Fuller, was completed. It was one of the university's early women's residences, drawing inspiration from England's Knole House and Aston Hall.

1915: Natural Science Building Designed by Kahn

In 1915, the Natural Science Building was designed by Albert Kahn. The building exhibited a simple design with minimal ornamentation due to limited construction funding during that time.

1916: Arthur LeSueur's Presidential Campaign

In 1916, Arthur LeSueur, an alumnus of the University of Michigan, was a Socialist candidate for president.

1917: University Rejoined the Conference

After a nine-year absence, the University of Michigan rejoined the conference in 1917.

1919: Michigan Union Completed

In 1919, the Michigan Union, designed by alumni Irving Kane Pond and Allen Bartlit Pond, was completed. It houses the university's various student organizations.

1920: Increased Funding for Construction Projects

Beginning in 1920, the university received greater funding for construction projects due to president Burton's fiscal persuasiveness with the legislature, propelled by a prosperous economy. This allowed campus buildings to be constructed in a grand manner.

1920: Hutchins' Retirement

In 1920, Harry Burns Hutchins retired as president of the University of Michigan, despite being encouraged to remain in the role. His tenure was marked by the establishment of the Graduate School, increased enrollment, and the funding of new campus landmarks.

1920: Burton Assumes Office

In 1920, Marion LeRoy Burton assumed the presidency of the University of Michigan. A conference on higher education was held at the university, leading to the establishment of the Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges.

1920: General Library Designed by Kahn

In 1920, the General Library was designed by Albert Kahn. The building exhibited a simple design with minimal ornamentation due to limited construction funding during that time.

1923: Clements Library Designed by Kahn

In 1923, Kahn's Italian Renaissance Clements Library was built. It features unusual and costly materials and is considered one of his most elegant university buildings.

1923: Construction of Ray Fisher Stadium and Yost Ice Arena

In 1923, the Ray Fisher Stadium and the Yost Ice Arena were constructed. Ray Fisher Stadium serves as the home venue for the baseball team, and Yost Ice Arena serves as the home arena for the men's ice hockey team.

1924: Burton K. Wheeler's Vice Presidential Candidacy

In 1924, Burton K. Wheeler, an alumnus of the University of Michigan, ran for the vice presidency as the Progressive Party's nominee with Robert La Follette Sr.

1924: Angell Hall Designed by Kahn

In 1924, Kahn's Classical Greek Angell Hall was built. It features unusual and costly materials and is considered one of his most elegant university buildings.

1924: University High School Designed by Perkins, Fellows and Hamilton

In 1924, Perkins, Fellows and Hamilton designed University High School, contributing to the architecture of the Central Campus.

1924: Burton Falls Ill

In 1924, President Marion LeRoy Burton fell ill.

1925: Burton's Death and Little's Election

In 1925, President Marion LeRoy Burton died, leading to President Emeritus Hutchins assisting until Clarence Cook Little was elected president. Alfred Henry Lloyd served as acting president in the interim.

1926: Harvard-Michigan Football Agreement

In 1926, Harvard agreed to play football against Michigan, dropping Princeton from its schedule.

1927: Divinity School Proposal Shelved

In 1927, the proposal to establish a nonsectarian divinity school on campus, which had been advocated for by Charles Foster Kent, was quietly shelved after initial support.

1927: Michigan Stadium Opened

Michigan Stadium opened in 1927, serving as the home venue for the football team and having an official capacity of 107,601.

1928: Gilbert Hitchcock's Presidential Candidacy

In 1928, Gilbert Hitchcock, an alumnus of the University of Michigan, was a Democratic candidate in the presidential election.

1928: Completion of Ruthven Museums Building

In 1928, the Ruthven Museums Building was completed, providing a primary location to house and display the collections of the University of Michigan Museum of Natural History.

1928: Ruthven Museums Building Designed by Kahn

In 1928, the Ruthven Museums Building was designed by Albert Kahn in the Renaissance style. It was the last of Kahn's university commissions.

1928: Summer Symposium in Theoretical Physics Begins

In 1928, the Summer Symposium in Theoretical Physics began, featuring renowned physicists.

1929: Little's Resignation

In 1929, Clarence Cook Little resigned from his position as president of the university after advocating for individualized education and curriculum reform.

1929: Michigan League Completed

In 1929, the Michigan League, designed by alumni Irving Kane Pond and Allen Bartlit Pond, was completed. It houses the university's various student organizations.

1931: Raoul Wallenberg Studies at the University

In 1931, Raoul Wallenberg, a member of the prominent Wallenberg family, studied at the University of Michigan, contributing to the university's diverse student body.

1931: Wolfgang Pauli Visiting Professorship

In 1931, Wolfgang Pauli held a visiting professorship at the University of Michigan.

1931: University of Michigan Golf Course Opens

In 1931, the University of Michigan Golf Course opened to the public. It was designed in the late 1920s by Alister MacKenzie.

1936: Burton Memorial Tower Designed by Kahn

In 1936, Kahn's Art Deco Burton Memorial Tower was built. It features unusual and costly materials and is considered one of his most elegant university buildings.

1939: Expansion into the Ivy League

By 1939, the 'Big Three' was restored and expanded into the Ivy League.

1940: Tom Harmon Wins Heisman Trophy

In 1940, Tom Harmon won the Heisman Trophy, awarded to the best college football player in the nation.

1941: Wolfgang Pauli Visiting Professorship

In 1941, Wolfgang Pauli, a pioneer of quantum physics, served as a visiting professor at the University of Michigan, contributing to the university's academic environment.

1941: End of the Summer Symposium in Theoretical Physics

In 1941, the Summer Symposium in Theoretical Physics ended.

1943: Jerome Karle Completes Ph.D. in Physics

In 1943, chemist Jerome Karle, who later revealed molecular structures, completed his Ph.D. in Physics at the University of Michigan, laying the groundwork for his future achievements.

1944: Thomas E. Dewey's Presidential Campaign

In 1944, Thomas E. Dewey, an alumnus of the University of Michigan, was the Republican Party's nominee for president.

1946: Alumni Memorial Hall Designated University Museum of Art

In 1946, Alumni Memorial Hall, funded by contributions from alumni in memory of the university's Civil War dead, was designated as the University Museum of Art.

1948: Thomas E. Dewey's Presidential Campaign

In 1948, Thomas E. Dewey, an alumnus of the University of Michigan, was the Republican Party's nominee for president.

1948: Establishment of the Michigan Memorial Phoenix Project

In 1948, the Michigan Memorial Phoenix Project was established to honor those lost during World War II. It operated the Ford Nuclear Reactor and established the nation's first academic program in nuclear science and engineering.

1950: Demolition of Mason Hall, South College, and Law Building

In 1950, Mason Hall, South College, and the Law Building were demolished.

1950: Western Conference Renamed Big Ten Conference

The Intercollegiate Conference of Faculty Representatives, initially the Western Conference from 1896-1899, became known as the Big Ten Conference in 1950.

1951: Hatcher Succeeds Ruthven as President

In 1951, Harlan Hatcher became president of the University of Michigan, succeeding Ruthven.

1952: University Buys Land for North Campus

In 1952, the university bought a large plot of farmland—approximately 800 acres (3.2 km)—to build the North Campus area independently from the city.

1953: Launch of WJJX Radio Station

WJJX, a carrier current radio station and the school's student-run radio station, was launched in 1953 at the University of Michigan.

1955: Joseph Francis Shea Earns Ph.D.

In 1955, Joseph Francis Shea, a key figure in the Apollo program, earned his Ph.D. from the University of Michigan, marking an important step in his career.

1955: Founding of the University of Michigan Friars

In 1955, the University of Michigan Friars, an eight-member subset a cappella group, was founded, and is the oldest currently running a cappella group on campus.

1957: Marshall Warren Nirenberg Receives Ph.D. in Biochemistry

In 1957, Marshall Warren Nirenberg, who later became famous for breaking the genetic code, received his Ph.D. in biochemistry from the University of Michigan, marking a significant step in his scientific career.

1963: Introduction of Affirmative Action

In 1963, the University of Michigan introduced a controversial admission policy known as "affirmative action", spearheaded by Hobart Taylor Jr., aimed at increasing Black student enrollment.

1964: Karen Uhlenbeck Receives Bachelor's Degree

In 1964, Karen Uhlenbeck, who later became the first woman to win the Abel Prize, received her bachelor's degree from the University of Michigan, marking an early milestone in her distinguished career.

1964: First Teach-In Against U.S. Foreign Policy

In 1964, the University of Michigan hosted the nation's first "teach-in" against U.S. foreign policy in Southeast Asia, attracting thousands of students.

1966: Start of Robert Anderson's Abuse

In 1966, doctor Robert Anderson began abusing students at the University of Michigan, with the abuse continuing until 2003.

1967: Opening of Crisler Center

In 1967, the Crisler Center, previously known as the University Events Building and Crisler Arena, opened, serving as the home venue for the men's and women's basketball teams as well as the women's gymnastics team.

1968: Hatcher's Presidency Ends

In 1968, Harlan Hatcher's tenure as president of the University of Michigan came to an end.

1968: Start of 40 Consecutive Winning Seasons

The University of Michigan football program had 40 consecutive winning seasons beginning in 1968, including consecutive bowl game appearances from 1975 to 2007.

1969: Founding of Weather Underground

In 1969, the radical left-wing militant organization Weather Underground was founded at the University of Michigan.

1970: Black Action Movement Strike

In 1970, following the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr., a strike organized by the Black Action Movement resulted in the university agreeing to demands for minority support.

1971: Spectrum Center Founded

In 1971, the Spectrum Center was founded at the University of Michigan as the nation's oldest collegiate LGBT student center.

1971: U-M Alumni Association Chapter Established on the Moon

In 1971, the crew of Apollo 15, consisting of all U-M alumni, placed a charter plaque on the lunar surface, establishing a new U-M Alumni Association chapter on the Moon.

1972: Involvement in Excavation of Dibsi Faraj

In 1972, the Kelsey Museum of Archeology was involved in the excavation of the archaeological site of Dibsi Faraj in northern Syria.

1972: First Hash Bash Rally

In 1972, the annual Hash Bash rally began, highlighting growing student support for marijuana legalization on campus.

1974: Gerald Ford Adopted "The Victors" as Entrance Anthem

From 1974 to 1977, U.S. President Gerald Ford had "The Victors," the Michigan fight song, played by the United States Marine Band as his entrance anthem during his term as president.

1974: Involvement in Excavation of Dibsi Faraj

In 1974, the Kelsey Museum of Archeology was involved in the excavation of the archaeological site of Dibsi Faraj in northern Syria.

1975: Start of Consecutive Bowl Game Appearances

The University of Michigan football program began consecutive bowl game appearances in 1975, continuing until 2007.

1976: Gerald Ford's Presidential Campaign

In 1976, Gerald Ford, an alumnus of the University of Michigan, was the Republican Party's nominee for president.

1977: End of Gerald Ford's Presidential Term

From 1974 to 1977, U.S. President Gerald Ford had "The Victors," the Michigan fight song, played by the United States Marine Band as his entrance anthem during his term as president.

1977: American National Election Studies Established

In 1977, the American National Election Studies were formally established with a grant from the National Science Foundation, and have been based at the University of Michigan since their origin.

1980: Shapiro's Presidency Begins

In 1980, Harold Tafler Shapiro began his presidency at the University of Michigan, facing campus unrest related to the Strategic Defense Initiative and investments in South Africa.

1980: Chemical Laboratory Ceases Operation

In 1980, the Chemical Laboratory, built in 1856, ceased operations after housing the nation's first instructional chemistry lab.

1985: Theodore Kaczynski Attempted Murder

In 1985, Theodore Kaczynski attempted to murder professor James V. McConnell and research assistant Nicklaus Suino at the University of Michigan.

1987: Proposal to Upgrade National Science Foundation Network Backbone

In 1987, the University of Michigan led a proposal to upgrade and expand the National Science Foundation Network backbone from 56,000 to 1.5 million, and later to 45 million bits per second.

1988: Ann Coulter Graduates from U-M Law School

In 1988, Ann Coulter, a conservative pundit, graduated from U-M law school with a J.D.

1989: Men's Basketball Team Wins National Championship

In 1989, the University of Michigan's men's basketball team won the national championship, marking a significant triumph for the program.

1990: JSTOR Database

Prior to 1990, The university was the original home of the JSTOR database, which contains about 750,000 digitized pages from the entire pre-1990 backfile of ten journals of history and economics.

1991: Desmond Howard Wins Heisman Trophy

In 1991, Desmond Howard won the Heisman Trophy, awarded to the best college football player in the nation.

1992: Vacated Victories and Final Four Appearances

In 1992, the men's basketball team voluntarily vacated victories due to illicit payments to players, including vacating the 1992 Final Four appearance.

1993: Alfonso Bustamante: Prime Minister of Peru

In 1993, Alfonso Bustamante, a University of Michigan alumnus, became the Prime Minister of Peru.

1993: Vacated Victories and Final Four Appearances

In 1993, the men's basketball team voluntarily vacated victories due to illicit payments to players, including vacating the 1993 Final Four appearance.

1993: Directors' Cup Standings

Starting in 1993, the university has finished in the top 10 of the Directors' Cup standings in 21 of the award's 29 seasons between 1993–2021.

1994: Lester Bird: Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda

In 1994, Lester Bird, a University of Michigan alumnus, began his term as the Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda.

1995: Martin Lewis Perl Nobel Prize in Physics

In 1995, Martin Lewis Perl was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics for his discovery of the tau lepton, recognizing his significant contributions to the field while at the University of Michigan.

1995: Construction of Phyllis Ocker Field

In 1995, the Phyllis Ocker Field was constructed and built partially on the site of Regents Field, and serves as the home venue for the university's field hockey teams.

1995: Vacated Victories due to illicit payments

In 1995, the program voluntarily vacated victories from the 1995-1999 seasons due to illicit payments to players.

1996: Duderstadt's Term Ends

In 1996, James Duderstadt's term as president of University of Michigan ended. Lee Bollinger succeeded him.

1997: Charles Woodson Wins Heisman Trophy

In 1997, Charles Woodson won the Heisman Trophy, awarded to the best college football player in the nation.

1997: Herizo Razafimahaleo: Deputy Prime Minister of Madagascar

In 1997, Herizo Razafimahaleo, a University of Michigan alumnus, became the Deputy Prime Minister of Madagascar.

1998: State of Michigan Poll on Student Regent Position

A 1998 poll by the State of Michigan concluded that a majority of voters would approve adding a student regent position if put to a vote.

1998: Herizo Razafimahaleo's Term as Deputy Prime Minister Ends

In 1998, Herizo Razafimahaleo's term as Deputy Prime Minister of Madagascar, which began in 1997, came to an end.

1999: Vacated Victories due to illicit payments

In 1999, the program voluntarily vacated victories from the 1995-1999 seasons due to illicit payments to players.

2000: Nick Waun Runs for Board of Regents

In 2000, Nick Waun, a student, ran for the Board of Regents on the statewide ballot as a third-party nominee but was not successful.

2002: Compulsive Lyres win ICCA Title

In 2002, Compulsive Lyres became the first and only group from Michigan to claim an ICCA (International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella) title.

2002: First Female President Elected

In 2002, Mary Sue Coleman was unanimously elected as the University of Michigan's first female president.

2002: Students Run for Board of Regents

In 2002, students Scott Trudeau, Matt Petering, and Susan Fawcett ran for the Board of Regents on the statewide ballot as third-party nominees, though none were successful.

2003: End of Robert Anderson's Abuse

In 2003, doctor Robert Anderson's abuse of students at the University of Michigan came to an end. Over his career, Anderson abused at least 950 students.

2003: Affirmative Action Lawsuits Reach Supreme Court

In 2003, two lawsuits concerning the university's affirmative action admissions policy, Grutter v. Bollinger and Gratz v. Bollinger, reached the U.S. Supreme Court.

2004: Lester Bird's Term as Prime Minister Ends

In 2004, Lester Bird's term as the Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, which began in 1994, came to an end.

2004: Donation from Stephen M. Ross

In 2004, Stephen M. Ross made a $100 million contribution to the university, supporting various initiatives and programs.

2005: Partnership with Stanford University

Since 2005, the American National Election Studies, based at the University of Michigan, have been run in partnership with Stanford University.

November 2006: Michigan Voters Ban Affirmative Action

In November 2006, Michigan voters passed Proposal 2, which banned affirmative action in university admissions, meaning race, gender, and national origin could no longer be considered. U-M and other organizations were granted a stay from implementation to assess legal options.

2006: Sports Illustrated Praises UM Golf Course

In 2006, Sports Illustrated magazine stated that the University of Michigan Golf Course has one of "the best holes ever designed by Augusta National architect Alister MacKenzie".

2006: Creation of the University Research Corridor

In 2006, the University of Michigan joined with Michigan State University and Wayne State University to create the University Research Corridor.

2007: Henry Tang Ying-yen: Chief Secretary of Hong Kong

In 2007, Henry Tang Ying-yen, a University of Michigan alumnus, became the Chief Secretary of Hong Kong.

2007: End of 40 Consecutive Winning Seasons

The University of Michigan football program had 40 consecutive winning seasons ending in 2007, including consecutive bowl game appearances from 1975 to 2007.

2008: Investment Banking Analyst Placements Data

Data from 2008 to 2023 shows the university ranked 3rd overall in investment banking analyst placements within the United States.

2008: Recommendation for Privatization

In 2008, a legislative panel suggested converting the University of Michigan to a private institution due to its limited ties to the state.

November 1, 2009: Kelsey Museum Re-opening

On November 1, 2009, the Kelsey Museum of Archeology re-opened to the public after undergoing a renovation and expansion, enhancing its facilities and exhibits.

2009: Museum of Art Re-opening

In 2009, the University of Michigan Museum of Art re-opened after a three-year renovation and expansion, offering enhanced facilities and exhibits to the public.

2009: Top Five Finish in NACDA Director's Cup

In 2009, the University of Michigan finished in the top five of the NACDA Director's Cup for the 10th time in the past 14 years, highlighting its success in competitive sports.

2009: University Purchases Pfizer Facility

In 2009, the University of Michigan signed an agreement to purchase a facility formerly owned by Pfizer. The purchase included over 170 acres of property, and 30 major buildings.

2011: Henry Tang Ying-yen's Term as Chief Secretary Ends

In 2011, Henry Tang Ying-yen's term as Chief Secretary of Hong Kong, which began in 2007, came to an end.

2011: Graduate Degrees Offered

In 2011, the Horace H. Rackham School of Graduate Studies offered more than 180 graduate degree programs.

2012: University of Michigan Library System Size

As of 2012, the University of Michigan library system comprised nineteen individual libraries with twenty-four separate collections—roughly 13.3 million volumes.

2012: Number of Student Organizations

By 2012, the University of Michigan had 1,438 student organizations.

2012: Degrees Conferred in 2011-2012

In 2011–2012, the university conferred 4,951 graduate degrees and 709 first professional degrees.

2012: Abdullah Ensour: Prime Minister of Jordan

In 2012, Abdullah Ensour, a University of Michigan alumnus, became the Prime Minister of Jordan.

2012: Participation in the Summer Olympics

Through the 2012 Summer Olympics, 275 Michigan students and coaches had participated in the Olympics, winning medals in each Summer Olympic Games except 1896, and winning gold medals in all but four Olympiads.

2013: Donations from Stephen M. Ross and Charles Munger

In 2013, Stephen M. Ross donated $200 million to the business school and athletic campus, and Charles Munger pledged $110 million for a graduate residence and fellowships, significantly boosting the university's resources.

April 2014: Supreme Court Upholds Ban on Affirmative Action

In April 2014, the Supreme Court ruled in Schuette v. Coalition to Defend Affirmative Action that Proposal 2, banning affirmative action, did not violate the U.S. Constitution. Following this, the admissions office stated it would seek diversity through other factors like disadvantaged school attendance and parental education levels.

2014: Undergraduate Management Consulting Jobs Recruiting Data

Data from 2014-2020 shows the university ranked 3rd overall in recruiting for undergraduate management consulting jobs.

2014: Mark Schlissel Appointed President

In 2014, Mark Schlissel succeeded Mary Sue Coleman as president of the University of Michigan.

2014: University Under Investigation for Handling of Sexual Violence Complaints

In 2014, the University of Michigan was named one of 55 higher education institutions under investigation by the Office of Civil Rights for possible violations of federal law over the handling of sexual violence and harassment complaints.

2015: Michigan G-Men place Third at ICCA

In 2015, The Michigan G-Men placed third at the International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella (ICCA) competition.

2015: Ranked Among Top Feeder Schools for Google

In 2015, the University of Michigan ranked 6th on the list of top feeder schools for Google, which employed over 500 graduates at the time, and 10th for Meta.

January 2016: Warde Manuel Appointed Athletics Director

Since January 2016, Warde Manuel has served as the 12th athletics director at the University of Michigan.

2016: Abdullah Ensour's Term as Prime Minister Ends

In 2016, Abdullah Ensour's term as Prime Minister of Jordan, which began in 2012, came to an end.

2016: Ben Carson's Presidential Candidacy

In 2016, Ben Carson, an alumnus of the University of Michigan, was a Republican candidate in the presidential election.

2017: Median Family Income of Students

According to a 2017 report by the New York Times, the median family income of a student at the University of Michigan was $154,000.

2017: Principal Investigators Listed

As of 2017, the principal investigators of the American National Election Studies are Ted Brader and Vincent Hutchings of the University of Michigan and Shanto Iyengar of Stanford University.

2017: Amazin' Blue Places Fourth at ICCA Finals

In 2017, Amazin' Blue placed fourth at the International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella (ICCA) finals in New York City.

2017: Kim Dong-yeon: Deputy Prime Minister of South Korea

In 2017, Kim Dong-yeon, a University of Michigan alumnus, became the Deputy Prime Minister of South Korea.

2017: Freshmen Enrollment Statistics

In the fall of 2017, statistics were recorded regarding the first-time freshmen students enrolled at the university.

2018: Michigan Ranks Fifth in Pulitzer Prize-Winning Alumni

As of 2018, the University of Michigan ranked fifth among all universities whose alumni have won Pulitzer Prizes, highlighting the success and impact of its graduates in journalism and the arts.

2018: Kim Dong-yeon's Term as Deputy Prime Minister Ends

In 2018, Kim Dong-yeon's term as Deputy Prime Minister of South Korea, which began in 2017, came to an end.

2019: Graduates on State Supreme Courts

As of 2019, the University of Michigan has placed over 125 graduates onto various State Supreme Courts, with 40 serving as Chief Justice.

2019: National Academy Members

In 2019, the University of Michigan had 120 faculty members who were national academy members, placing it 10th among its peers.

2020: Undergraduate Management Consulting Jobs Recruiting Data

Data from 2014-2020 shows the university ranked 3rd overall in recruiting for undergraduate management consulting jobs.

2020: Student Voting Intention Statistics

In 2020, 96% of University of Michigan students stated they intended to vote in the election.

2020: Princeton Review "Dream College" Ranking

In 2020, the Princeton Review College Hopes & Worries Survey ranked the University of Michigan as the No. 9 "Dream College" among students and the No. 7 "Dream College" among parents.

2020: Cohort Statistics for Median Income

The 2020-2021 earnings adjusted to 2022 dollars, five years after graduation.

May 2021: University Announces Carbon Emission Reduction Plan

In May 2021, the University of Michigan announced its plan to cut carbon emissions from its campuses, covering all operations and aiming to remove emissions from on-campus sources by 2040.

August 31, 2021: Four-Year Graduation Rate

By August 31, 2021, 82.0% of the first-time freshmen who enrolled in fall 2017 graduated within four years.

2021: Jordan B. Acker Chairs Board of Regents

As of 2021, Jordan B. Acker is the chair of the Board of Regents.

2021: Olympic Medals Won by Students and Alumni

As of 2021, University of Michigan students and alumni have won 155 Olympic medals, demonstrating the university's strong presence in Olympic events.

2021: Michigan Governors and Legislators

As of 2021, the University of Michigan has matriculated 63 U.S. governors or lieutenant governors, and more than 250 Michigan graduates have served as legislators.

2021: Directors' Cup Standings

As of 2021, the university has finished in the top 10 of the Directors' Cup standings in 21 of the award's 29 seasons between 1993–2021.

2021: U.S. News & World Report Rankings

In 2021, the U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges report ranked the University of Michigan 3rd among public universities in the United States, 6th in Undergraduate Engineering Programs, and 3rd in Undergraduate Business Programs.

2021: Report on Sexual Assault Allegations Against Doctor Robert Anderson Released

In 2021, the University of Michigan attracted national attention when a report detailing an investigation into sexual assault allegations against doctor Robert Anderson was released. Anderson reportedly abused at least 950 university students from 1966 to 2003.

2021: Research Expenditure Ranking

In 2021, the University of Michigan was ranked third among American universities in terms of research expenditures, according to the National Science Foundation.

2021: Most Popular Undergraduate Majors

In 2021, the most popular undergraduate majors at the University of Michigan, based on the number of graduates, were computer and information sciences (874), business administration and management (610), economics (542), behavioral neuroscience (319), mechanical engineering (316), and experimental psychology (312).

2021: Applications for Freshman Class

Michigan received over 83,000 applications for a place in the 2021–22 freshman class, making it one of the most applied-to universities in the United States.

2021: Largest Student Enrollment in the State

Since the fall of 2021, the university has had the largest number of students in the state, surpassing Michigan State University's former enrollment leadership.

2021: U.S. Real Median Personal Income

The U.S. real median personal income for the year 2021 was $40,460 adjusted to 2022 dollars.

May 2022: Laurie McCauley Appointed Provost

In May 2022, Laurie McCauley began serving as the 17th and current provost of the university.

July 13, 2022: Santa Ono Selected as University President

On July 13, 2022, the board of regents announced its selection of Santa Ono as the University of Michigan's 15th president. The selection followed an extensive presidential search conducted by Isaacson, Miller.

August 31, 2022: Five-Year Graduation Rate

By August 31, 2022, an additional 10.2% of the first-time freshmen who enrolled in fall 2017 graduated, taking more than four years but no more than five.

October 14, 2022: Santa Ono Assumes Office

On October 14, 2022, Santa Ono assumed office as the 15th president of the University of Michigan, succeeding Mark Schlissel.

2022: Undergraduate Student Residency Statistics

As of 2022, 52% of undergraduate students at the University of Michigan were Michigan residents, while 43% came from other U.S. states.

2022: Admissions Criteria

As of 2022, Michigan ranks character/personal qualities and whether the applicant is a first-generation university applicant as 'important' in making first-time, first-year admission decisions, while ranking extracurricular activities, talent/ability, geographical residence, state residency, volunteer work, work experience and level of applicant's interest as 'considered'.

2022: Michigan Alumni as Ambassadors

As of 2022, University of Michigan has matriculated 64 Ambassadors who served as Ambassador in more than 72 countries.

2022: Percentage of Students Receiving Pell Grants

As of 2022, approximately 23% of in-state undergraduate students and 14% of out-of-state students at the University of Michigan received a Pell Grant.

2022: Olympic Medal Count

As of 2022, athletes from the University of Michigan had collectively won 188 medals at the Olympic Games.

2022: David DePape Targets Gayle Rubin

In 2022, David DePape, convicted of attacking Paul Pelosi, targeted Gayle Rubin, an associate professor at the University of Michigan, testifying he hoped to use the Pelosis to get to her.

2022: Michigan Ross Business School Ranking

In 2022, Michigan Ross was ranked 11th among all U.S. business schools by Poets & Quants. MBA graduates earned an average starting base salary of $165,000 and an average sign-on bonus of $30,000.

2022: Santa Ono Elected President

In 2022, Santa Ono was elected as the 15th and current president of the University of Michigan. Also in 2022, Mark Schlissel was fired.

2022: University of Michigan in the Nature Index

In 2022, The University of Michigan has a significant presence in the Nature Index, ranking 6th nationally and 23rd globally among research institutions.

2022: Most Valuable First Professional Degrees

In 2022, law was the most valuable first professional degree at the University of Michigan, with federally aided students earning a median salary of $197,273 five years after graduation, followed by dentistry, pharmacy, and medicine.

2022: Bachelor's Degree Programs with Highest Earning Potential

In 2022, the University of Michigan's federally aided students in business administration, economics, mathematics, and statistics were earning median salaries exceeding $100,000 five years after graduation. Various engineering and computer science disciplines also fell into this high-earning category.

2022: Law School's Endowment Ranking

In 2022, the law school's endowment ranks as the eighth wealthiest law school in the nation.

2022: State Funding for University

In the fiscal year 2022-23, the State of Michigan spent $333 million on the university, which represents 3.03% of its total operating revenues of $11 billion. The university is the second-largest recipient of state appropriations for higher education in Michigan for 2022-23.

2022: University Operating Budget

In the fiscal year 2022–23, the university's operating budget has four major sources of funding.

2022: Dollar Adjustment for Median Income

The 2020-2021 earnings adjusted to 2022 dollars, five years after graduation and The U.S. real median personal income for the year 2021 adjusted to 2022 dollars.

August 31, 2023: Six-Year Graduation Rate

By August 31, 2023, an additional 1.1% of the first-time freshmen who enrolled in fall 2017 graduated, taking more than five years but no more than six.

October 2023: University Enrollment Numbers

As of October 2023, the University of Michigan had an enrollment of 52,065 students, comprised of 33,730 undergraduates and 18,335 graduate students. The College of Literature, Science, and the Arts was the largest college with 21,973 students.

October 2023: Undergraduate Student Body Race Statistics

As of October 2023, the undergraduate student body at the University of Michigan was approximately 53% White, 17% Asian, 7% Hispanic, 4% Black, 5% from two or more races, and 5% from an unknown racial composition.

November 2023: Total Student Body Citizenship Statistics

As of November 2023, of the total student body at the University of Michigan, 43,253 (83.1%) were U.S. citizens or permanent residents, and 8,812 (16.9%) were international students.

2023: University's Endowment Ranking

As of 2023, the university's endowment, valued at $17.9 billion, ranks as the tenth largest among all universities in the country.

2023: Investment Banking Analyst Placements Data

Data from 2008 to 2023 shows the university ranked 3rd overall in investment banking analyst placements within the United States.

2023: Rackham Graduate School Admissions Statistics

For the 2023 admission year, the Horace H. Rackham School of Graduate Studies received 19,098 applications for doctoral programs, offered admission to 2,816 applicants (14.75%), and saw 1,233 offers accepted (43.79% yield rate).

2023: Standardized Test Scores

In 2023, of the 52% of enrolled freshmen who submitted SAT scores; the middle 50 percent Composite scores were 1350–1530. Of the 18% of the incoming freshman class who submitted ACT scores; the middle 50 percent Composite score was between 31 and 34.

2023: Faculty and Student Statistics

In 2023, the University of Michigan employed 8,189 faculty members and had an enrollment of 52,065 students across its various programs.

2023: Research and Development Expenditures

In 2023, the University of Michigan managed the fourth-largest research budget of any university in the United States, with total R&D expenditures of $1.925 billion.

2023: Consideration of Leaving Big Ten Conference

In 2023, the University of Michigan's board of regents considered the possibility of leaving the Big Ten conference due to dissatisfaction with the conference's handling of the NCAA's investigation into sign-stealing allegations against the football team's staff members.

2023: Academic Ranking of World Universities

In 2023, the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor was ranked 26th among world universities by the Academic Ranking of World Universities.

2023: Doctoral Program Admissions Selectivity

In 2023, the selectivity of admissions to doctoral programs varied among disciplines. Business Administration admitted 5.2% of applicants, Sociology 5.01%, and Psychology 4.1%. Other competitive fields included Philosophy, Public Policy & Economics, Political Science, and Robotics.

2023: University Ranking by Academic Performance

The University Ranking by Academic Performance for 2023–24 positioned the University of Michigan at 16th globally and Also, the university boasted 28 researchers who were recognized by Clarivate as being highly cited in 2023.

2023: Enrollment Surge and Steady-State Admissions

The university experienced an unexpected surge in student enrollment for the 2023 academic year, having admitted more students than it could support, and is embracing a steady-state admissions management strategy.

2023: Michigan Football Program Ranks First in NCAA History in Total Wins

Through the end of the 2023 season, the Michigan football program ranked first in NCAA history in total wins with 1,004.

May 2024: Michigan Ross MBA Alumni in Fortune 1000

As of May 2024, approximately 2.8% of all Fortune 1000 executives with MBAs are alumni from Michigan Ross, which ranks it as the 6th highest among all business schools in the United States.

June 2024: Median Annual Income of Students

As of June 2024, the U.S. Department of Education reported that federally aided students who attended the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor had a median annual income of $83,648 five years after graduation.

2024: Top Employers

In 2024, Google and Meta remained the university's first and second top employers.

2024: Larry Elder's Presidential Candidacy

In 2024, Larry Elder, an alumnus of the University of Michigan, was a Republican candidate in the presidential election.

2024: Li Ka Shing Foundation Endowed Professorship

In 2024, the Hong Kong-based Li Ka Shing Foundation endowed a professorship at the university to support research in biomedical engineering, enhancing the university's capabilities in this field.

2024: Performance Ranking of Scientific Papers

In 2024, the Performance Ranking of Scientific Papers for World Universities ranked the University of Michigan 13th worldwide.

2024: Michigan Wins National Championship

The University of Michigan football team won the 2024 National Championship Game.

January 2025: Partnership with Shanghai Jiao Tong University Ended

In January 2025, the University of Michigan concluded its partnership with Shanghai Jiao Tong University.

2025: QS World University Rankings

In the 2025 QS World University Rankings, the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor was ranked 44th in the world. The university excels in academic reputation, international research network, employment outcomes, and employer reputation.

June 30, 2027: Laurie McCauley's Provost Term

Laurie McCauley has been serving as the 17th and current provost of the university since May 2022, and she was recommended by the president to serve a full term through June 30, 2027.

2027: Class of 2027 Enrollment

Of those students accepted to Michigan's Class of 2027, 7,050 chose to attend.

2040: Target Year for Zero On-Campus Carbon Emissions

The University of Michigan's plan announced in May 2021 includes the goal of removing all carbon emissions from direct, on-campus sources by 2040.