The week before this podcast, the University of Michigan Board of Regents were embroiled in a very public controversy with one of their own members. A Regent had publicly attacked three senior State officials, including the Governor of Michigan, Gretchen Whitmer. Several Regents called for the member's resignation and/or censure. It was one of several public challenges the Regents have faced in the last two years, and it all played out over Zoom.

Being a board chair during a pandemic is one thing, but leading one of the most high profile university’s in the nation during a pandemic, public squabbles, a vote of no-confidence in the University President, and a U.S. Presidential election is quite another.

It's important to note that the Michigan Regents operate very differently than other university trustees—they run for office, and are elected by the citizens of Michigan to eight year terms.

My guest today is Denise Ilitch, chair of the University of Michigan Board of Regents.  The Board of Regents make major decisions that affect all three of the University of Michigan campuses: Ann Arbor, Flint and Dearborn. Amongst the many matters decided by the board are the tuition rates, approval of professorial appointments, librarians and the appointment of administrators. Needless to say, the decisions that they make have profound impact on the lives of students.

She is president of Ilitch Enterprises, LLC. She previously served as President of Ilitch Holdings, Inc., a privately held business that manages such entities as Little Caesar Enterprises, The Detroit Red Wings, The Detroit Tigers, and Olympia entertainment. She is a proud first generation student and a graduate of the University of Michigan.