“Tom Izzo seeking solution to Michigan State leadership turmoil”

[BobPSU92]

Can izzo help us too?

Tom Izzo seeking solution to Michigan State leadership turmoil

Tom Izzo expressed his displeasure with the leadership changes surrounding him at Michigan State, calling on the school's alumni to do something about it.

www.espn.com

 

[RolexKong]

Can izzo help us too?

Tom Izzo seeking solution to Michigan State leadership turmoil

Tom Izzo expressed his displeasure with the leadership changes surrounding him at Michigan State, calling on the school's alumni to do something about it.

www.espn.com

Interesting thing about MSU's Board is that it is elected by a state-wide election.

 

[Bison13]

Can izzo help us too?

Tom Izzo seeking solution to Michigan State leadership turmoil

Tom Izzo expressed his displeasure with the leadership changes surrounding him at Michigan State, calling on the school's alumni to do something about it.

www.espn.com

Maybe he can also be the president to be sure of 'alignment'

 

[Lil Nicky Scarfo]

Can izzo help us too?

Tom Izzo seeking solution to Michigan State leadership turmoil

Tom Izzo expressed his displeasure with the leadership changes surrounding him at Michigan State, calling on the school's alumni to do something about it.

www.espn.com

That is what he’s up against!

 

[Achowalogan]

Interesting thing about MSU's Board is that it is elected by a state-wide election.

Don’t know if it is any better than PSU situation, but it is interesting …

 

[J.E.B]

Higher Ed is under attack and many of these BOTs don’t get it. Their models are antiquated and not sustainable. Leadership here is lacking and on the move. It’s could happen here, too. PSUs BOT needs a refresh, but that won’t happen. Barry, where are you?

 

[PSU Mike]

Pat Fitzgerald must be extra excited right now.

 

[BobPSU92]

Pat Fitzgerald must be extra excited right now.

Malignment Alignment

 

[Monty2007]

Don’t know if it is any better than PSU situation, but it is interesting …

I always believed that a state election for non alumni combined with an alumni election for alumni for 50/50 trustees would be a better format. Won't happen in this state.

 

[RolexKong]

I always believed that a state election for non alumni combined with an alumni election for alumni for 50/50 trustees would be a better format. Won't happen in this state.

Concern I have with a state-wide election is are voters adequately informed of the issues a schools is dealing with. Same could be said of elections in general, so, what the hell. Result couldn't be worse than what we have.

 

[PSUFTG]

Don’t know if it is any better than PSU situation, but it is interesting …

FWIW: There has been a lot of controversy at MSU in recent years. A full recitation would take a while

Since Lou Anna Simon resigned in 2018 - largely due to the fallout from the Larry Nassar situation. (Penn Staters whose memories stretch back to the days of 2011/2012 will always have a special place in their hearts for Ms Simon. IYKYK):
When they hire their new one, it will be the EIGHTH president at MSU since then (8 in 8 years) counting the interims. That is the part of the dysfunction iceberg that floats above the water for all to see.

There have been some very good trustees on the MSU board over that time, and some awful ones (IMO).
That said, at least they (the folks in Michigan - all voters in Michigan, in statewide elections) get to evaluate and "throw the bums out" if they feel they are not up to the job - so that right there makes their situation 1,000% preferable to PSU. If I were king for a day, I would likely propose a few modifications to how Michigan does it, but the basic premises of accountability are at least in place.

Trustees at MSU, Michigan, and IIRC Wayne State all are elected by the voters in Michigan. Sometimes they get it right, sometimes they don't (where have we seen that before?).
IMO, as of late they have been getting a lot more right for Michigan, and less so for MSU (though MSU does, even currently, have a few good ones).
Sometimes the "culture" of a place permeates things, and remains in place - and affecting everything - no matter who is sitting in the chairs, Unless and until there is an event that leads to true cultural change.

 

[Achowalogan]

I always believed that a state election for non alumni combined with an alumni election for alumni for 50/50 trustees would be a better format. Won't happen in this state.

Sure would be better than political appointees where the driving force is how politicians and appointees can enrich themselves….at the expense of the university, alums, and students

 

[ApexLion]

Penn State is not a state university. It's a state-affiliated university. There's a difference. Money is the driving force behind leadership at PSU. Otherwise, why be on the BOT if you cannot advance your interests while managing the affairs of school only tethered to the state by less than 10% of its funding? That's what we are up against. Our leadership model has run its course because its bloated and corrupt. It simply doesn't work in good times, let alone when facing a crisis. As Barry learned firsthand, there is no oversight if you ask for reform or question the majority. MSU, at least has the option to find new leadership via voting.

 

[PSU4U]

That is what he’s up against!

Sadly, our alumni are busy picking out tablecloths and napkins for next year's spring gala. It's a big job but they think they can pull it off.

 

[PSU4U]

Concern I have with a state-wide election is are voters adequately informed of the issues a schools is dealing with. Same could be said of elections in general, so, what the hell. Result couldn't be worse than what we have.

Nothing to fear but fear itself. We just need alumni with a big pair who aren't afraid to their weight/money around and put people in conflict. But sadly we have a bunch of preppy twits who think the answer is electing Paterno legacy clowns to be Karens. OK I'm over it now back to football because nothing will get fixed because Dean Wormer types are pulling the strings. Over and out.

 

[ClarkstonMark]

Concern I have with a state-wide election is are voters adequately informed of the issues a schools is dealing with. Same could be said of elections in general, so, what the hell. Result couldn't be worse than what we have.

No, they are not informed, nor do they care. I live in MI and no one cares about the BoT elections for the various universities.

 

[PrtLng Lion]

FWIW: There has been a lot of controversy at MSU in recent years. A full recitation would take a while

Since Lou Anna Simon resigned in 2018 - largely due to the fallout from the Larry Nassar situation. (Penn Staters whose memories stretch back to the days of 2011/2012 will always have a special place in their hearts for Ms Simon. IYKYK):
When they hire their new one, it will be the EIGHTH president at MSU since then (8 in 8 years) counting the interims. That is the part of the dysfunction iceberg that floats above the water for all to see.

There have been some very good trustees on the MSU board over that time, and some awful ones (IMO).
That said, at least they (the folks in Michigan - all voters in Michigan, in statewide elections) get to evaluate and "throw the bums out" if they feel they are not up to the job - so that right there makes their situation 1,000% preferable to PSU. If I were king for a day, I would likely propose a few modifications to how Michigan does it, but the basic premises of accountability are at least in place.

Trustees at MSU, Michigan, and IIRC Wayne State all are elected by the voters in Michigan. Sometimes they get it right, sometimes they don't (where have we seen that before?).
IMO, as of late they have been getting a lot more right for Michigan, and less so for MSU (though MSU does, even currently, have a few good ones).
Sometimes the "culture" of a place permeates things, and remains in place - and affecting everything - no matter who is sitting in the chairs, Unless and until there is an event that leads to true cultural change.

Lou Anna Simon is one fugly *** hypocritical biatch. And I'm being nice

 

[Chumboshifko1]

How many members are on our BoT? Like 30?

 

[Chumboshifko1]

How many members are on our BoT? Like 30?

38. WTMF?

 

[ChiTownLionPSU]

How many members are on our BoT? Like 30?

38. WTMF?

After the fallout from 2011, it may have been the Freeh Report that said the composition of our BOT was flawed. It outlined the framework of peer school boards across the conference for PSU to emulate. Since then, these peer schools have had scandal after scandal, so maybe it's best that we just go back to the way we had it before.

Trustees at MSU, Michigan, and IIRC Wayne State all are elected by the voters in Michigan. Sometimes they get it right, sometimes they don't (where have we seen that before?).
IMO, as of late they have been getting a lot more right for Michigan, and less so for MSU (though MSU does, even currently, have a few good ones).
Sometimes the "culture" of a place permeates things, and remains in place - and affecting everything - no matter who is sitting in the chairs, Unless and until there is an event that leads to true cultural change.

Good points, although Michigan seems to be the most scandal-mired school in the conference these last several years.

 

[Chumboshifko1]

After the fallout from 2011, it may have been the Freeh Report that said the composition of our BOT was flawed. It outlined the framework of peer school boards across the conference for PSU to emulate. Since then, these peer schools have had scandal after scandal, so maybe it's best that we just go back to the way we had it before.


Good points, although Michigan seems to be the most scandal-mired school in the conference these last several years.

I wondered where you've been. Always good to hear your input.

 

[PSUFTG]

Good points, although Michigan seems to be the most scandal-mired school in the conference these last several years.

I'm guessing you are talking about athletics - where UM has definitely had more than their share of FUBARs. So I would tend to agree from that perspective. But those things are largely Administrative, rather than Board related.

I was referring to the University (those places where institutions are supposed to be focused on education, research, and that kind of archaic stuff ). Where UMich has been running rather effectively, all things considered, given the current state of Higher Education.

PSU on the other hand?

Fuggetaboutit.

BTW: New Federal lawsuit filed recently - this one in the Middle District of PA (my Federal case is in the Eastern District, FWIW).
But the new Middle District one is also First Amendment/Transparency etc related. It is being undertaken by a consortium of media outlets, with the backing of a couple of legal organizations focused on Media issues and First Amendment issues.

 

[BobPSU92]

I'm guessing you are talking about athletics - where UM has definitely had more than their share of FUBARs. So I would tend to agree from that perspective. But those things are largely Administrative, rather than Board related.

I was referring to the University (those places where institutions are supposed to be focused on education, research, and that kind of archaic stuff ). Where UMich has been running rather effectively, all things considered, given the current state of Higher Education.

PSU on the other hand?

Fuggetaboutit.

BTW: New Federal lawsuit filed recently - this one in the Middle District of PA (my Federal case is in the Eastern District, FWIW).
But the new Middle District one is also First Amendment/Transparency etc related. It is being undertaken by a consortium of media outlets, with the backing of a couple of legal organizations focused on Media issues and First Amendment issues.

um has had scandals or fiascos with academic leaderers in recent years too. Embarrassing cluster of dog sh|t in ann arbor (is a wh⭕️re).

 

[ChiTownLionPSU]

According to Grok, since 2020...

**University of Michigan Scandals and Major Controversies (~2020–2026)**

- **Robert E. Anderson Sexual Misconduct (Investigation & Fallout, ~2020–ongoing)**: Decades-long pattern of sexual abuse by former university physician involving hundreds of students; major independent report released, leading to settlements, policy changes, and campus climate initiatives on sexual/gender-based misconduct.

- **Provost Martin Philbert Sexual Harassment (2020)**: Investigation found Philbert engaged in decades of sexual harassment of employees and graduate students; he relinquished his faculty position, prompting new university policies on supervisor-subordinate relationships.

- **President Mark Schlissel Firing (2022)**: Fired by the Board of Regents for an inappropriate personal relationship with a university employee, violating conduct policies.

- **Athletics Leadership & Culture Issues (Ongoing under AD Warde Manuel)**: Broader scrutiny and internal investigation (launched ~2025) into athletic department culture, oversight, and handling of multiple incidents.

- **Football Sign-Stealing / Advanced Scouting Scandal (2023–2025)**: Widespread NCAA violations involving staffer Connor Stalions and in-person scouting/sign-stealing over multiple seasons. Led to Big Ten and NCAA penalties, massive fines (tens of millions), suspensions (including Jim Harbaugh and Sherrone Moore), vacated wins, and show-cause orders.

- **Matt Weiss Hacking Scandal (2023–2025)**: Former football co-offensive coordinator/QB coach arrested and federally indicted on charges of hacking into accounts of thousands of student-athletes (mostly women) to access intimate photos/videos.

- **Sherrone Moore Firing & Arrest (December 2025)**: Head football coach fired for cause after investigation found credible evidence of an inappropriate relationship with a staff member (violating post-Philbert policies). Same day, arrested on felony home invasion, stalking, breaking and entering, and related charges tied to an incident at the woman's home.

- **Other Athletics Incidents (Various, ~2020–2025)**:
- Juwan Howard (basketball coach) postgame physical altercation (2022).
- Hockey coach Mel Pearson not retained/fired amid misconduct allegations and "toxic" environment claims (2022).
- Player/staff arrests (e.g., drunk driving incidents involving coaches/players like Denard Robinson, Greg Scruggs).
- Staffer fired after video of allegedly planning to meet a 13-year-old (2023).
- Shemy Schembechler (Bo's son) resigned after liking insensitive/racist/transphobic social media posts.
- Additional NCAA violations (e.g., recruiting during dead periods).

- **Chinese Nationals Espionage/Biological Smuggling Cases (2025)**: Multiple incidents involving UM-affiliated Chinese researchers/scholars charged with smuggling biological materials/pathogens (e.g., toxic fungus, roundworm DNA) into the U.S. for lab research; false statements to customs; ties to military-linked institutions. Prompted federal probes into UM's foreign research oversight and partnerships (e.g., with Shanghai Jiao Tong University, including Camp Grayling military site photography incidents).

- **Antisemitism & Campus Climate Issues (Post-Oct. 7, 2023–2026)**: Surge in reported incidents; U.S. Dept. of Education OCR investigation found UM failed to adequately address dozens of complaints creating a hostile environment for Jewish/Israeli students (Title VI violations). Voluntary resolution agreement with monitoring. 2026 federal indictments of eight pro-Palestinian activists with UM ties for conspiracy involving threats, vandalism, and intimidation targeting UM leaders and Jewish groups to force divestment. DEI administrator fired over alleged antisemitic remarks.

 

[ChiTownLionPSU]

According to Grok, since 2020...

**University of Michigan Scandals and Major Controversies (~2020–2026)**

- **Robert E. Anderson Sexual Misconduct (Investigation & Fallout, ~2020–ongoing)**: Decades-long pattern of sexual abuse by former university physician involving hundreds of students; major independent report released, leading to settlements, policy changes, and campus climate initiatives on sexual/gender-based misconduct.

- **Provost Martin Philbert Sexual Harassment (2020)**: Investigation found Philbert engaged in decades of sexual harassment of employees and graduate students; he relinquished his faculty position, prompting new university policies on supervisor-subordinate relationships.

- **President Mark Schlissel Firing (2022)**: Fired by the Board of Regents for an inappropriate personal relationship with a university employee, violating conduct policies.

- **Athletics Leadership & Culture Issues (Ongoing under AD Warde Manuel)**: Broader scrutiny and internal investigation (launched ~2025) into athletic department culture, oversight, and handling of multiple incidents.

- **Football Sign-Stealing / Advanced Scouting Scandal (2023–2025)**: Widespread NCAA violations involving staffer Connor Stalions and in-person scouting/sign-stealing over multiple seasons. Led to Big Ten and NCAA penalties, massive fines (tens of millions), suspensions (including Jim Harbaugh and Sherrone Moore), vacated wins, and show-cause orders.

- **Matt Weiss Hacking Scandal (2023–2025)**: Former football co-offensive coordinator/QB coach arrested and federally indicted on charges of hacking into accounts of thousands of student-athletes (mostly women) to access intimate photos/videos.

- **Sherrone Moore Firing & Arrest (December 2025)**: Head football coach fired for cause after investigation found credible evidence of an inappropriate relationship with a staff member (violating post-Philbert policies). Same day, arrested on felony home invasion, stalking, breaking and entering, and related charges tied to an incident at the woman's home.

- **Other Athletics Incidents (Various, ~2020–2025)**:
- Juwan Howard (basketball coach) postgame physical altercation (2022).
- Hockey coach Mel Pearson not retained/fired amid misconduct allegations and "toxic" environment claims (2022).
- Player/staff arrests (e.g., drunk driving incidents involving coaches/players like Denard Robinson, Greg Scruggs).
- Staffer fired after video of allegedly planning to meet a 13-year-old (2023).
- Shemy Schembechler (Bo's son) resigned after liking insensitive/racist/transphobic social media posts.
- Additional NCAA violations (e.g., recruiting during dead periods).

- **Chinese Nationals Espionage/Biological Smuggling Cases (2025)**: Multiple incidents involving UM-affiliated Chinese researchers/scholars charged with smuggling biological materials/pathogens (e.g., toxic fungus, roundworm DNA) into the U.S. for lab research; false statements to customs; ties to military-linked institutions. Prompted federal probes into UM's foreign research oversight and partnerships (e.g., with Shanghai Jiao Tong University, including Camp Grayling military site photography incidents).

- **Antisemitism & Campus Climate Issues (Post-Oct. 7, 2023–2026)**: Surge in reported incidents; U.S. Dept. of Education OCR investigation found UM failed to adequately address dozens of complaints creating a hostile environment for Jewish/Israeli students (Title VI violations). Voluntary resolution agreement with monitoring. 2026 federal indictments of eight pro-Palestinian activists with UM ties for conspiracy involving threats, vandalism, and intimidation targeting UM leaders and Jewish groups to force divestment. DEI administrator fired over alleged antisemitic remarks.

Hey, Grok - how does this compare against other Big Ten universities over the same time frame?

**Michigan has had one of the highest concentrations and varieties of high-profile scandals among Big Ten schools since ~2020**, spanning athletics, leadership misconduct, national security/research integrity, campus climate (including antisemitism), and more. Other schools have faced serious issues—often concentrated in one or two categories—but few match Michigan’s breadth and sustained media/federal scrutiny.

Large universities routinely deal with individual misconduct, Title IX cases, protests, and compliance issues. “Scandals” here refer to those generating major investigations, firings, lawsuits, NCAA penalties, or national headlines.

### Michigan (Standout Volume and Diversity)
- **Athletics**: Sign-stealing (major NCAA penalties/fines), Matt Weiss hacking indictment, Sherrone Moore firing/arrest (inappropriate relationship + criminal charges), Juwan Howard incident, hockey coach firing, multiple player/staff arrests, broader athletic department culture probe.
- **Leadership**: President Mark Schlissel fired (inappropriate relationship), Provost Martin Philbert sexual harassment fallout.
- **National Security**: Multiple Chinese nationals cases (biological smuggling, military site photography tied to partnerships).
- **Campus Climate**: Significant antisemitism complaints post-Oct. 7 (OCR investigation/resolution), related indictments of activists.
- **Legacy**: Robert Anderson physician abuse investigations/settlements.

### Ohio State (Significant but More Legacy-Focused)
- Ongoing Richard Strauss sexual abuse settlements (~$100M in 2026 to hundreds of victims; decades-old but active litigation/fallout).
- President Ted Carter resignation (2026: misuse of funds/position for personal associate in inappropriate relationship).
- Earlier research ties (e.g., professor Song Guo Zheng Thousand Talents case ~2020-2021).
- Other: Ethics professor incident, donor influence questions.

### Michigan State (Ongoing Leadership and Legacy Issues)
- Mel Tucker firing (2023: sexual harassment of Brenda Tracy) + related NCAA recruiting violations/probation.
- Continued Nassar legacy fallout (pre-2020 but persistent leadership/board criticism).
- Described in coverage as “scandal after scandal” with accountability questions.

### Northwestern (Cultural/Athletics-Focused)
- Major 2023 football hazing scandal (sexualized abuse, bullying): Coach Pat Fitzgerald fired, lawsuits/settlements.

### Others (More Isolated or Routine)
- **Purdue**: 2026 AI/cheating scandal in CS class (hundreds of students accused; sparked academic integrity debates).
- **Wisconsin**: DEI/financial mismanagement issues, Greek life hazing, broader DPI (state-level) educator misconduct transparency problems.
- **Rutgers**: Athletics debt/financial controversies, some data manipulation allegations for rankings, routine campus issues.
- **Iowa**: Recent NCAA tampering/vacated wins (Cade McNamara-related).
- **Penn State**: Primarily legacy Sandusky fallout (some appeals/convictions into early 2020s); fewer brand-new major cases.
- **Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota, Nebraska, Maryland**: Typical large-university issues (Title IX, protests, isolated misconduct, financial pressures) but no standout clusters matching the top group in national prominence.

**National Security Context**: Michigan has drawn the most recent high-profile Chinese national/espionage-related charges in the Big Ten; other research universities (including some Big Ten) face broader scrutiny over foreign funding/Talent plans, but Michigan’s cases (smuggling, military sites) stand out.

**Overall**: Michigan’s issues are unusually multifaceted and recent, often involving senior leadership and athletics under one AD. Ohio State and Michigan State have heavy ongoing costs/reputational hits from legacy + new leadership problems. Northwestern’s was acute but narrower. Most Big Ten schools have had incidents, but not the same volume or variety. College sports and admin challenges are widespread in the NIL/transfer portal era, amplified by media and federal oversight (Title VI, OCR, NCAA). Details evolve with investigations/lawsuits—check official reports for updates.

 

[PSUFTG]

Hey, Grok - how does this compare against other Big Ten universities over the same time frame?

**Michigan has had one of the highest concentrations and varieties of high-profile scandals among Big Ten schools since ~2020**, spanning athletics, leadership misconduct, national security/research integrity, campus climate (including antisemitism), and more. Other schools have faced serious issues—often concentrated in one or two categories—but few match Michigan’s breadth and sustained media/federal scrutiny.

Large universities routinely deal with individual misconduct, Title IX cases, protests, and compliance issues. “Scandals” here refer to those generating major investigations, firings, lawsuits, NCAA penalties, or national headlines.

### Michigan (Standout Volume and Diversity)
- **Athletics**: Sign-stealing (major NCAA penalties/fines), Matt Weiss hacking indictment, Sherrone Moore firing/arrest (inappropriate relationship + criminal charges), Juwan Howard incident, hockey coach firing, multiple player/staff arrests, broader athletic department culture probe.
- **Leadership**: President Mark Schlissel fired (inappropriate relationship), Provost Martin Philbert sexual harassment fallout.
- **National Security**: Multiple Chinese nationals cases (biological smuggling, military site photography tied to partnerships).
- **Campus Climate**: Significant antisemitism complaints post-Oct. 7 (OCR investigation/resolution), related indictments of activists.
- **Legacy**: Robert Anderson physician abuse investigations/settlements.

### Ohio State (Significant but More Legacy-Focused)
- Ongoing Richard Strauss sexual abuse settlements (~$100M in 2026 to hundreds of victims; decades-old but active litigation/fallout).
- President Ted Carter resignation (2026: misuse of funds/position for personal associate in inappropriate relationship).
- Earlier research ties (e.g., professor Song Guo Zheng Thousand Talents case ~2020-2021).
- Other: Ethics professor incident, donor influence questions.

### Michigan State (Ongoing Leadership and Legacy Issues)
- Mel Tucker firing (2023: sexual harassment of Brenda Tracy) + related NCAA recruiting violations/probation.
- Continued Nassar legacy fallout (pre-2020 but persistent leadership/board criticism).
- Described in coverage as “scandal after scandal” with accountability questions.

### Northwestern (Cultural/Athletics-Focused)
- Major 2023 football hazing scandal (sexualized abuse, bullying): Coach Pat Fitzgerald fired, lawsuits/settlements.

### Others (More Isolated or Routine)
- **Purdue**: 2026 AI/cheating scandal in CS class (hundreds of students accused; sparked academic integrity debates).
- **Wisconsin**: DEI/financial mismanagement issues, Greek life hazing, broader DPI (state-level) educator misconduct transparency problems.
- **Rutgers**: Athletics debt/financial controversies, some data manipulation allegations for rankings, routine campus issues.
- **Iowa**: Recent NCAA tampering/vacated wins (Cade McNamara-related).
- **Penn State**: Primarily legacy Sandusky fallout (some appeals/convictions into early 2020s); fewer brand-new major cases.
- **Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota, Nebraska, Maryland**: Typical large-university issues (Title IX, protests, isolated misconduct, financial pressures) but no standout clusters matching the top group in national prominence.

**National Security Context**: Michigan has drawn the most recent high-profile Chinese national/espionage-related charges in the Big Ten; other research universities (including some Big Ten) face broader scrutiny over foreign funding/Talent plans, but Michigan’s cases (smuggling, military sites) stand out.

**Overall**: Michigan’s issues are unusually multifaceted and recent, often involving senior leadership and athletics under one AD. Ohio State and Michigan State have heavy ongoing costs/reputational hits from legacy + new leadership problems. Northwestern’s was acute but narrower. Most Big Ten schools have had incidents, but not the same volume or variety. College sports and admin challenges are widespread in the NIL/transfer portal era, amplified by media and federal oversight (Title VI, OCR, NCAA). Details evolve with investigations/lawsuits—check official reports for updates.

I am not about to lead the cheerleading squad for anything "Michigan", but I think one could safely say that at least 90% of the listings had nothing (or at least damn little) to do with the Board (which was the topic at hand)
Those are almost all entirely Administrative issues (and many are specifically "Athletic Administration" issues). And even to that end, when those issues rose to the level of Board involvement, they generally handled them well at that level.
If the topic at hand were Warde Manuel as an AD - I'd say he is pretty much bottom of the barrel as an Athletics Administrator, and it seems that too many UMich admins have some personal issues.
FWIW.
But that wasn't the topic


But on the big broad issues under the Board's purview:

The finances are in great shape (especially for this day and age)
The academic quality - which has always been top-notch - has been rising significantly (as opposed to some of their Big Ten brethren).
Always able to be selective, UMich has become MORE selective. becasue they CAN (when some of their Big Ten brethren have been screaming "demographic cliiff" as the boogyman - as some kind of cop out appeal to the underinformed - for the last 5 years - while they lower standards and raise prices. Even though that cliff is just getting started.
At UMich, for years their acceptance rate was about 25% (very selective - take a look at PSU's if you want a shocker) - and is now only around 15-16% (uber-selective).
And one big reason why is their yield rate is around 50% - which is crazy high for this day and age.
Kids want to go there - and they get the cream of the crop.
Their tuition? Far LESS for a Michigan kid to go to UMich (which provides a truly Ivy-level educational opportunity) than for a kid from DuBois to go to Penn State..... AND every in-state kid with financial need gets 100% of that need covered through scholarships and grants. 100%
I can't imagine a more polar opposite to PSU - in ALL of those categories.

And UMich isn't always crying poor mouth to their state legislatures. They do get a bit more $$$ from their's (but not enough to be a huge difference - I think they get around $350 M per year, typically).
And - get this - even with as selective as they can be - and are - and all the aid they provide - their percentage of in-state vs out-of-state kids is HIGHER than Land-Grant PSU.

Those numbers are STUNNING in a good way - just as much as PSU's are in a negative way.

Do they have problems - sure
Do they have challenges - sure

But on the broad mission based stuff that a Board can and should be responsible for - they are knocking it out of the park more often than not.


OK. Done with trumpeting UMich's Board performance (and that really isn't my intent) But it is what it is - even if I get ill at the sound of "Hail to the Victors" just as much as any other PSU fan.