University of Michigan - Flint

Vahid Lotfi is Interim Provost and Vice Chancellor at the University of Michigan-Flint (UM-Flint). He has served in that capacity since 2009 and is the chief academic affairs officer for the University and is responsible for all aspects directly related to teaching and research on this campus. Prior to his current appointment he served as the Associate Provost and Dean of Graduate Programs at the University of Michigan-Flint from 2009 to 2001 overseeing the Office of Graduate Programs, Information Technology Services, Office of Research, Office of Extended Learning, and the International Center. Prior to this appointment he served as the Executive Director of Information Technology Services and founding Interim Director of Online Learning Program at UM-Flint from 1996 to 2001.

Dr. Lotfi holds the rank of Professor of Management Science in the School of Management at UM-Flint. Before joining the University of Michigan-Flint in 1990, he served as assistant professor of Management Science in the School of Management at the State University of New York (SUNY) at Buffalo from 1981 to 1990. Dr. Lotfi has a B.S. in Electrical Engineering, M.S. and Ph.D. in Operations Research, all from SUNY at Buffalo. He has published numerous research articles and has co-authored five books in the areas of management science and operations management. He has presented in many national and international conferences and also serves on the editorial advisory board of two scholarly journals. Dr. Lotfi is a certified Consultant-Evaluator for the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association. He has visited over 32 countries.

David W. Barthelmes is Vice Chancellor for Administration at the University of Michigan-Flint.  In this capacity, he functions as the CFO as well as the chief business and administrative officer of the campus, reporting directly to the Chancellor.  His responsibilities include management and direction of all financial and administrative functions of the university working closely with administrative and academic leaders, within a shared decision-making environment. 

Barthelmes has had a distinguished career in corporate finance and administration. He was Vice President of Finance at Kelly Services in Troy, Michigan from 1996 to 2001 where he was responsible for global financial planning, budgeting, forecasting and operational reporting to management.  From 1991 to 1995, he was Vice President and Chief Financial Officer with Kmart Canada, Ltd. based in Toronto with responsibility for the finance and information systems groups of the company.  He is a CPA and holds a Bachelor of Science in accounting from Gannon University in Pennsylvania and a Masters in Business Administration in finance from the University of Detroit.  He is a member of Financial Executives International and the Michigan Association of Certified Public Accountants.

Mary Jo Sekelsky is the Vice Chancellor for Student Services and Enrollment Management at the University of Michigan-Flint. She has been employed at the University since 1984. Mary Jo Sekelsky was appointed to the position of Vice Chancellor in 2005.  Dr. Sekelsky holds a doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction from Wayne State University, a master's in Counseling from Oakland University, and a bachelor's in Psychology from Michigan State University. Dr. Sekelsky is responsible for units which comprise the division of Student Services and Enrollment Management: Academic Advising & Career Center; Academic Enrichment/Tutorial Services; Accessibility Services; Counseling; Financial Aid; Greek Life; Housing & Residential Life; Judicial Affairs; LGBT Affairs; New Student Orientation; Office of the Ombuds; Registration; Student Activities; and Student Development.   Dr. Sekelsky has been the principle investigator of grants aimed at increasing retention and graduation rates.  She has also been the recipient of funding directed toward reducing substance abuse among college students.  Her dissertation, The Effects of Holistic and Traditional Approaches on the Learning Strategies, Self-Concept, and Academic Achievement of Underachieving Commuter University Students continues to serve as the foundation of her research interests. Dr. Sekelsky has twice served as a scientific peer reviewer for the United States Department of Defense.  She has traveled abroad extensively and was part of a national delegation of the American Business Women's Association invited to study the contributions of women to the development of science and technology in the People's Republic of China. 

Active in the community, Dr. Sekelsky is past president of the American Cancer Society-Genesee County Board of Directors and former chair of Wayne State University's Flint Alumni Club.  She has served on several local boards including the Shelter of Flint and Family Service Agency of Mid-Michigan.  Dr. Sekelsky was elected President of the American Business Women's Association (ABWA) Crossroad Connection Chapter in 2007 and continues to serve ABWA in that capacity. Dr. Sekelsky has taught Curriculum Development in the University of Michigan-Flint's Master of Public Administration Program since 2006.  She resides in Flint, Michigan.