Mary Sue Coleman
President Mary Sue Coleman has lead the University since the University Board of Regents appointed her to the post of president in August 2002.
In her time at the helm of the University, Coleman has been an earnest maize-and-blue flag carrier, overseeing a significant period of construction in Ann Arbor and expansion across the world. Coleman's political savvy has helped her to traverse the treacherous political terrain and competing demands of the University faculty, students, Board of Regents and state politics.
Coleman spent much of her career as a biochemist at the University of Kentucky. During her 19 years at Kentucky, her research focused mainly on malignancies and the immune system.
In 1990, Coleman became the associate provost and dean of research at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, before becoming UNC-Chapel Hill’s vice chancellor for graduate studies and research. Coleman was named provost and vice president for academic affairs at the University of New Mexico in 1993, where she served for two years before becoming the president of the University of Iowa in 1995.
Coleman earned her bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Grinnell College in 1965 and a doctorate in biochemistry from the University of North Carolina in 1969. Coleman also holds honorary doctorates from Grinnell College, Luther College, the University of Kentucky, Albion College, Dartmouth College, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Northeastern University, the University of Toledo and the University of Notre Dame.
In addition to her role as University president, Coleman currently serves on the boards of Johnson & Johnson and the Meredith Corporation, a media and marketing company. She is also a trustee on the Gerald R. Ford Foundation and the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation.
Coleman lives in the president’s house on South University Avenue with her husband Kenneth, who is a political science professor at the University, and the couple’s two cats, Gerry and Betty, named for President Gerald R. Ford and his wife. The couple also has one son, Jonathan, who lives in Denver, Colorado with his wife and their daughter.
Recent articles
Coleman to return to China this summer
By: Stephanie Steinberg
University President Mary Sue Coleman is heading back to China, a trip that reinforces an ongoing effort by University officials to increase the school’s international outreach. In an interview earlier this week, Coleman said she will embark on her second official trip to China this coming June.
While many presidents feel they can't control athletic budgets, Coleman says she's an exception
By: Stephanie Steinberg
The majority of Division IA presidents said in a recent study that they feel they have no control over their respective athletic department budgets. But University President Mary Sue Coleman says she’s an exception to the rule.
In typically low-key setting, students press Coleman on diversity issues
- Jake Fromm/Daily
By: Stephanie Steinberg
The fire wasn’t the only thing heated at the University President’s monthly fireside chat yesterday. While fireside chats tend to be somewhat light-hearted, at this particular one, Coleman was repeatedly questioned on diversity and race issues at the University.
NCAA formally launches investigation into UM football program
By: Jacob Smilovitz
The University of Michigan’s athletic department is officially under investigation by the NCAA for alleged violations of rules governing practice time and off-season workouts for the University’s football team.
Coleman says letter sent without her approval raises important issue
By: Matt Aaronson
In a statement released Friday, University President Mary Sue Coleman hinted at her disapproval of a letter sent last week to a state legislator with her name on it, but would not go as far as to denounce it.
Rolling out the welcome mat
- Chris Dzombak/Daily
By: Daily Staff
More than 400 students waited in line yesterday to talk to University President Mary Sue Coleman during the annual President’s Open House at her University-owned house at 815 South University Ave. The line of students started at the sidewalk in front of the President’s House and weaved through several rooms on the first floor where students could talk with Coleman.
University puts halt to Bud Light 'fan can' gimmick
By: Annie Thomas
Some may call them real men of marketing genius. But, University officials don't think so.
At Convocation, administrators celebrate new freshmen, offer guidance for future
- Will Moeller/Daily
By: Eric Chiu
For the third straight year, the University received a record number of undergraduate admissions applications, meaning that once again, getting into this year’s freshman class was no easy feat. That sentiment was more than clear during the New Student Convocation at Crisler Arena Thursday night.
President Coleman: University won't act until football investigation is complete
- Max Collins/Daily
By: Jacob Smilovitz
University President Mary Sue Coleman has broken her silence concerning allegations that Michigan’s football program violated NCAA rules. In a statement released late Wednesday, Coleman wrote that University officials will not act until all facts in the situation have come to light.
Swine flu update: 'U' administrators lift travel restrictions to Mexico
By: Hillary Katsin
University Provost Teresa Sullivan wrote in an e-mail statement on Tuesday that University President Mary Sue Coleman decided to rescind the suspension after consulting with Dr. Robert Winfield, chief health officer of the University and director of University Health Service.
