Mestas will continue to lead U-M-Flint

U-M-Flint Chancellor Juan Mestas has been reappointed to a second five-year term, following action by the Board of Regents July 15.

(Photo by U-M-Flint)

This spring President Mary Sue Coleman sought input from faculty, staff and students from the Flint campus on the success of the chancellor's first term. She says Mestas has received high marks for: promoting greater access for students and nurturing a more student-centered university; protecting and being a good steward of resources in the face of shrinking state appropriations; broadening the campus service area, including adding more online courses; and creating a sense of community on campus and beyond.

He also was recognized for establishing new initiatives, including U-M-Flint's first doctorate (in physical therapy), the Women's Educational Center and a program for visiting scholars. Additionally, he is credited for successful oversight of construction on the new William S. White Building that houses academic units and a number of staff and community services.

"U-M-Flint faces challenges and exciting opportunities, as I learned from faculty, students, staff and alumni, both in writing and during my visit to the campus in April," Coleman says.

One opportunity that Mestas is credited with advancing is the need for student housing on the campus in an effort to increase enrollment in the face of recent declines, which primarily have been caused by an economic downturn in the communities that feed
U-M-Flint.

"A great deal of work remains to be done, but I am heartened that applications and admissions for next year have increased," Coleman says. "Now Chancellor Mestas will lead in developing a robust plan for the future, continuing to increase enrollment and advancing academic quality."

Mestas came to U-M-Flint in 1999 from the National Endowment for the Humanities. He also has served as vice provost and dean of students at Portland State University, and in a number of capacities at California State University, Long Beach.

He holds degrees in Hispanic languages and literature from the Universidad de Puerto Rico (bachelor of arts) and the State University of New York at Stony Brook (master of arts and doctorate).