May 2026 Message from the Dean

Dear Colleagues,

As we close out this academic year, I want to express my appreciation for everything you have done to support our students, one another, and the broader Michigan Ross community.

I am especially grateful to everyone who helped make our Michigan Ross Commencement ceremony such a success. The remarks from our keynote speaker, Jenny Just, BBA ’90, were terrific — she talked about her own journey after Ross, and how even though she didn’t have a clear plan, she was able to take advantage of opportunities that came her way. The message that it’s ok not to have everything totally figured out by graduation resonated strongly with our students as they enter their next chapter. The student speakers were also outstanding: Jiya Sheth, BBA ’26; Pavithraa Sudhakar, MM ’26; Cory Phinney, MBA ’26; and Rahul Narain, MBA ’26. For anyone who missed the ceremony or would like to revisit it, a recording is available.

In that same spirit of celebration and gratitude, we also recently honored the impressive contributions of our faculty and staff at the annual Faculty and Staff Awards. It is always a privilege to recognize colleagues whose work has had such a positive impact on our school. Thank you as well to the Staff Recognition Committee and Executive Committee for their thoughtful work in planning the celebration and selecting this year’s honorees.

Earlier this month, we hosted alumni, entrepreneurs, executives, and stakeholders at the 2026 Michigan Ross Innovation Conference in San Francisco. Key sessions explored the intersection of AI and human health and wellness; fusion energy; and the challenges of broad-scale electric vehicle adoption, with insights from a Waymo executive and one of the company’s major investors. It was truly humbling to see the incredible accomplishments of U-M alumni in addressing some of the biggest issues of our time. The conference provided a dynamic forum for exchanging insights and strengthening connections across our West Coast entrepreneurial community. I also had the opportunity to briefly discuss how our new Michigan Ross Los Angeles campus will offer more engagement opportunities on the West Coast and beyond.

That spirit of innovation was also on display closer to home at our Impact Venture Demo Day, which was recently featured in The University Record. The event held at Ross put student ventures in the spotlight and highlighted the creativity, ambition, and impact-driven thinking that our students bring to the startup ecosystem. A huge thanks to the Business+Impact team for planning this event to showcase how experiential learning at Ross helps turn bold ideas into meaningful action.

Looking ahead, I’m excited to bring back our summer gatherings. The first will be held on Wednesday, June 24, from 3-5 p.m. in Tauber Colloquium, with additional gatherings planned for July 14 and Aug. 20. These events are a chance to unwind, enjoy light snacks and refreshments, and connect with colleagues from across the school.

As always, I also welcome the opportunity to connect with faculty and staff during my upcoming office hours, which are listed on the dean’s office webpage. My next office hours will be held on June 10 from 4:15-5 p.m. in the Davidson Winter Garden.

I hope everyone had a relaxing and enjoyable Memorial Day weekend, and that you are able to find some time to recharge and enjoy the summer months ahead.

Kind regards,
Sharon