mission, Vision & lEADERSHIP

Office of the Chancellor

Our Mission

The University of Michigan-Flint is a comprehensive urban university of diverse learners and scholars committed to advancing our local and global communities. In the University of Michigan tradition, we value excellence in teaching, learning and scholarship; student centeredness; and engaged citizenship. Through personal attention and dedicated faculty and staff, our students become leaders and best in their fields, professions and communities.

Our Vision

Engaging minds, preparing leaders through academic excellence, student centeredness and engaged citizenship.

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University Leadership

As one of the three campuses of the University of Michigan, UM-Flint is also governed by the U-M Board of Regents. The organizational structure of UM-Flint is led by the chancellor, who serves as the chief executive officer. The chancellor is supported by a cabinet representing Academic Affairs, Student Affairs, Business and Finance, Enrollment Management and Advancement, as well as a senior leadership team that assembles academic and non-academic leadership. Both are advisory to the chancellor and meet in alternating weeks throughout the year.

The Cabinet

Laurence B. Alexander was named chancellor of the University of Michigan-Flint, May 16, 2024, and took office July 1, 2024. Alexander comes to the downtown campus after serving 11 years as chancellor of the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. Alexander brings more than three decades of combined professional and academic experience as a university leader, administrator, distinguished professor, First Amendment scholar, attorney and journalist. A native of New Orleans, Alexander earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of New Orleans, a master’s degree in journalism and communications from the University of Florida, a Juris Doctor from Tulane University, and a PhD in higher education from Florida State University. His dissertation, “Public Forum Doctrine in Higher Education: Student Rights and Institutional Prerogatives,” was recognized with the national Joseph C. Beckham Dissertation of the Year Award from the Education Law Association.

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Abby Parrill-Baker was appointed provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs at the University of Michigan-Flint, effective June 1, 2025, with tenure in green chemistry and biochemistry. She previously served as dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Memphis, where she led more than 400 full-time faculty members, expanded pathways to professional schools, and helped secure more than $5 million in funding for experiential learning. Parrill-Baker earned her bachelor’s degree from Central Michigan University and a master’s degree in chemistry and a doctorate in chemistry, both from the University of Arizona. During her time as interim provost at Memphis, she played a key role in implementing a responsibility-centered management budget model and collaborated on statewide efforts to improve degree program evaluation. Her earlier administrative experience includes serving as associate dean and chair of chemistry. A respected scholar in computational and medicinal chemistry, Parrill-Baker has authored more than 100 peer-reviewed publications, co-edited six books, and holds six patents, with research support from major national funding agencies. She has been honored for her research and teaching, including receiving the Willard R. Sparks Eminent Faculty Award from the University of Memphis.

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Christopher M. Giordano was appointed vice chancellor of student affairs effective Aug. 1, 2018. Giordano holds a doctorate in higher education from the University of Toledo, a master’s in counseling services from Upsala College in New Jersey, and a bachelor’s from Rowan University. He also earned a graduate certificate in organizational learning from Suffolk University. Giordano has more than 25 years of experience in higher education and student affairs, most recently serving as the assistant vice president/dean of students at the City University of New York, College of Staten Island. Before CUNY, Giordano served in progressively responsible student affairs leadership roles at the University of Connecticut, Suffolk University, Long Island University, and Owens Community College. Giordano is well-versed in all aspects of student affairs, with broad management experience, strategic and operational leadership, and a deep commitment to student success and urban higher education.

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Shari Schrader was appointed vice chancellor for university advancement effective July 12, 2021. Originally from Michigan, Schrader is a graduate of Central Michigan University with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and public relations. She has also completed coursework at the Lilly School of Philanthropy and has more than 25 years of progressive experience in educational fundraising. As a successful higher education development professional, Schrader has an impressive record of securing major gifts that benefit campuses and communities. Before her arrival at the University of Michigan-Flint, Schrader worked at Purdue University/Purdue Research Foundation for 18 years in leadership roles, managing teams that delivered strong results to achieve institutional goals. Schrader currently leads a seasoned development and alumni relations team at UM-Flint.

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Jerry Glasco was appointed interim vice chancellor for business and finance effective Nov. 1, 2023. He previously served as senior director for the Office of Business and Financial Services since Aug. 23, 2021. Glasco is a proud graduate of the University of Michigan-Flint with a bachelor’s degree in accounting. He has more than 33 years of experience in the University of Michigan system, including time on the Ann Arbor campus in University Audits, Financial Aid, and Financial Analysis, and on the Flint campus in Financial Services and Budget, Procurement and Contracts, and Operations and Leasing at the Northbank Center.

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Senior Leadership Team