Teresa Sullivan
Provost Teresa Sullivan has overseen the academic operations of the University since her appointment by the University Board of Regents in 2006.
Tasked with overseeing the educational experience on campus, Sullivan must wrangle the respective egos, interests and demands of the University's various colleges in the same direction — all while still making ends meet.
Sullivan's first foray into academia took place at the University of Texas at Austin, where she was an assistant professor of sociology. She then served on the faculty of the University of Chicago for four years, before returning to the University of Texas in 1981. While at the University of Texas, Sullivan served in several administrative posts, including Director of Women’s studies from 1985 to 1987, Chair of the Department of Sociology from 1990 to 1992, Vice Provost from 1994 to 1995 and Vice President and Graduate Dean from 1995 to 2002. In 2002, Sullivan was named executive vice chancellor for academic affairs at the University of Texas – a position she held until she joined the University of Michigan in 2006.
Sullivan graduated with a bachelor's degree from the James Madison and Honors College at Michigan State University in 1970. She also earned an master's degree in sociology from the University of Chicago in 1972 and a doctorate in sociology from the University of Chicago in 1975.
Sullivan has received several awards for her work in higher education, including the James Madison College’s Distinguished Alumna Award in 2004 and the 2000 Writing Award from the American College of Financial Services Lawyers.
Sullivan is currently the treasurer of the University’s Phi Kappa Phi chapter, a position she has held since 2007. Prior to her appointment at the University, Sullivan was also active with several other organizations, including the National Research Council, the National Science Foundation, the U.S. Bureau of the Census, the American Sociological Association and the Council of Graduate Schools.
Sullivan is married, and her husband, Douglas Laycock, is on the faculty at the University’s Law School.
Recent articles
Promise Scholarship debate still simmering
By: Kyle Swanson
More than 45 days after the start of the state’s fiscal year, state politicians and college administrators alike are still facing pressure from students and parents demanding answers about the elimination of the popular, merit-based Michigan Promise Scholarship.
'U' to no longer recalculate GPA in admissions process
By: Annie Thomas
In a reversal from current practices, University officials have announced that when students apply to the University, they will no longer have their grade point average recalculated.
Summer course enrollment up, though exact cause is unclear
By: Annie Thomas
According to data provided by the University, a lot more students stayed in Ann Arbor last summer to take classes compared to previous years. But exactly the reason for the boost is less clear.
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.
Regents Notebook: Purchase of former Pfizer campus by ‘U’ nears completion
By: Lara Zade
At Thursday’s Board of Regents meeting in Dearborn, Mich., Timothy Slottow, the University’s executive vice president and chief financial officer, announced that the $108 million purchase will be complete on June 16, after the due-diligence period — which ensures that the site complies with state and federal regulations — ends on May 18.
'U' administrators release initial budget proposals
By: Kyle Swanson
Specific proposals and figures in the University’s budget are often kept secret until the budget is presented to the University Board of Regents in June, but this year administrators have released much of the proposal early.
How the University formulates its annual budget
By: Kyle Swanson
The University’s budget is massive, to say the least. With totals of more than $5.2 billion in operating revenues and expenses at the University’s three campuses, including the University of Michigan Health System and the Athletic Department, it’s easy to see why developing the University’s budget is almost a year-long process.
