UM-Flint Chancellor Announces Appointment Of New Provost And Vice Chancellor For Academic Affairs

The University of Michigan Board of Regents approved Douglas G. Knerr, Ph.D. as the Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs of the University of Michigan-Flint. Dr. Knerr will begin his duties on July 1, 2015.

"Dr. Knerr's rich experience in both academic and student success makes him uniquely qualified to be the Provost at the University of Michigan-Flint," stated Chancellor Susan E. Borrego. "He has a clear understanding of the needs of our students, and will be a strong leader and advocate for creating opportunities for student and faculty success."

Dr. Knerr currently serves as Executive Vice President and University Provost and Professor of History at Roosevelt University in Chicago where he has served in a variety of roles across academic affairs, student success and enrollment. He has been actively involved in major strategic initiatives, including the recruitment of the largest and most diverse class of faculty in Roosevelt's history, co-founding the University's distance education unit, launching the University' first new college in forty years, and establishing over 100 articulation and transfer agreements with community colleges.

Dr. Knerr is a passionate advocate for community-connected learning and has implemented pedagogies of engagement in collaboration with faculty across the Roosevelt curriculum. He has worked to increase retention and graduation rates through the integration of academic affairs and student services and through increasing opportunities for intellectual and social engagement across the entirety of the student experience.

"I am honored to be selected as the Provost and Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs at the University of Michigan-Flint," said Dr. Knerr. "It is an outstanding institution with a wonderful history and a vibrant future.  The University's leadership role in the Flint community is inspiring.  I look forward to working with the entire campus and the greater Flint community to advance the success of our students, our University, and our region."

"I believe that Dr. Knerr will bring important insights to our campus work, and will enhance our partnerships across the community," said Chancellor Borrego. "His capacity for innovative thinking and collaboration is an asset that will help to further the mission of the University of Michigan-Flint for years to come."

Dr. Knerr received his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, his Master of Arts in History, and his Ph.D. in U.S. History all from the University of Cincinnati. A scholar of the industrial history of the United States, Dr. Knerr is the author of two books and several articles.