B efore joining UM-Flint, he served for 11 years as Chancellor of the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, where he led significant institutional growth at a public land-grant HBCU. Nationally recognized for his leadership, President Joe Biden appointed him in 2022 to chair the Board for International Food and Agricultural Development, which advises USAID on global food security and agricultural innovation.
With a deep commitment to student success, community engagement, and academic excellence, Chancellor Alexander now turns his focus to the future of UM-Flint. In the following conversation, he shares his reflections on joining the university, his vision for its growth and his hopes for the Wolverine community in the years ahead.
Q: What inspired you to accept the role of Chancellor at the University of Michigan-Flint, and what were your first impressions of the campus and community?
Chancellor Alexander: I was inspired by the mission of the UM-Flint campus, the quality of its programs, faculty and staff, as well as the campus’s dedication and involvement as a community-engaged university in an urban setting. I am also excited about the opportunities to grow our partnerships with the community.
Q: You’ve been in the role since the summer of 2024 — what have been some of your most memorable moments or accomplishments so far?
We have experienced many memorable moments so far, including numerous student events, the welcome barbeque in the UPAV that brought the entire campus together, Giving Blueday, which had me duct-taped to the wall in UCEN to help raise funds, joining with alumni and staff in welcoming new students moving into residence halls, getting doused in a water-bucket challenge, and experiencing the joy and excitement of students and their families as we confer degrees at commencement.
Some notable campus accomplishments include experiencing the second consecutive year of an enrollment increase [in fall of 2024] after several years of declines. The 6.5% increase was the highest percentage among public universities in the state.* Other accomplishments included: an increase in student retention and graduation rates, the development of the campus master plan that will align our physical spaces with our academic strengths and priorities, the advancement and promotion of the strategic transformation plan to grow enrollment and enhance student success, the launch of the public phase of our $60 million Look to Michigan campaign, and the successful conclusion of our provost search that ended with the hiring and welcoming of Dr. Abby Parrill.
Q: How does your background as an educator, journalist and academic leader influence your approach to leading UM-Flint?
That’s an interesting question because I’ve had education, training and development in a few distinct professions. The complexity of the role of chancellor has allowed me to use the knowledge, skills and experience obtained throughout my career, including training and practice as a journalist, attorney, scholar, professor, academic administrator and university chief executive officer.
Q: What excites you most about UM-Flint’s future, especially in the context of the university’s role within the broader Flint community?
I’m pleased UM-Flint is engaged in the future of the city and the region and that it prioritizes community outreach and engagement in its mission and vision. I look forward to the opportunity to expand our partnerships with the community further, working closely with community and business leaders and residents.
Q: The University of Michigan recently launched the “Look to Michigan” campaign. How will UM-Flint’s campaign priorities support students, faculty, and the region?
We are excited about how the “Look to Michigan” campaign will contribute to student success by increasing scholarship funds, the First-Year Experience, academic support, experiential learning, and health and wellness. It should also attract funding for faculty and staff development, support for faculty research and innovation, funding that will transform the campus, transform our campus and support partnerships between the university and the community. Our development team is working closely with our donors on philanthropic gifts for programs that enhance student success by improving the quality of the experience for our students, employees and stakeholders.
Q: What are your top priorities for enhancing the student experience and supporting student success at UM-Flint?
Our highest priorities for enhancing the student experience and supporting student success include keeping UM-Flint accessible and affordable. We are committed to improving access and opportunity for an increasing number of students, including implementing the expansion of the Go Blue Guarantee program and increasing general scholarship funding for the upcoming academic year to make education more affordable. In addition, we look to maintain strong academic programs tied to workforce opportunities while keeping the cost of attendance affordable.
Q: How do you see alumni playing a role in the success of UM-Flint today and in the years to come?
UM-Flint alumni are some of our greatest ambassadors, cheerleaders and recruiters. They love their university and they appreciate the transformational education they received here. Moreover, they continue to assume positions of responsibility in various industries and in their communities. We have generous alumni who give of their time, talent and treasure to the university, providing opportunities for more students to obtain a degree from UM-Flint. As such, alumni are great representatives for sustaining institutional quality and achieving greater prominence.
Q: UM-Flint has a proud legacy of producing alumni who make a difference in Michigan and beyond. What would you like to say directly to our alumni?
Thank you for your support of UM-Flint! The tremendous support of our alumni is contributing to our campus’s growth in size and stature. Your sustained connection with your alma mater will enable our campus to continue its leadership role in growing the economy of the city, region and the state. Go Blue!
Q: What opportunities or challenges do you see ahead for higher education in cities like Flint, and how is UM-Flint positioned to respond?
UM-Flint and the local community can expand their portfolio of partnerships and collaborations to improve student success and community engagement while focusing on improving the local economy.
Q: On a personal note, what do you enjoy doing outside of work? Have you discovered any favorite local spots or traditions since moving to Flint?
I enjoy playing golf and exploring the Flint Cultural Center. I look forward to traveling through our state and experiencing the variety of activities that it offers.
To learn more about Chancellor Alexander and his work at UM-Flint, visit umflint.edu/chancellor.
*Editor’s Note: Interview was conducted before classes began in the fall of 2025 and the third straight year of enrollment increase at UM-Flint. 7,124 students were enrolled at the downtown campus, reflecting a gain of 595 students, a 9.1% jump compared to the previous year.
