Education & Society

  1. Not hidden but modern

    U-M’s first Black woman to graduate with a PhD in computer science and engineering is driving change within the University of Florida and scaling her influence with a podcast.

  2. Michigan maritime: Ports set to grow economy throughout the state

    A new law that gives Michigan’s 32 ports tools to expand and grow the maritime economy started out as a community project for a handful of U-M students.

  3. Risky business in Ukraine: From ambulance driver to investor

    For one unforgettable month this summer, Michigan Ross student Samuel Ashley helped raise $100K to buy and deliver ambulances to residents in war-torn Ukraine. Inspired by the citizens’ resilience, Ashley has since created a venture fund to support Ukrainian startups.

  4. Tailored approach makes inroads in rural firearm safety

    A new study shows early promise for an approach that seeks to reduce the risk of firearm injury and death in rural areas, while respecting rural culture and firearm ownership. The effort tailors messages about safe firearm storage and teen firearm suicide to a rural audience, and shares specific tips for improving safety.

  5. Healthy schools: Project reduces childhood obesity

    More than 150 middle schools in 47 Michigan counties have implemented Project Healthy Schools since 2004. The community collaboration with U-M is one of the few school-based programs to demonstrate lasting improvements in participants’ health behavior and cardiovascular risk factors.

  6. New hospital to be named for D. Dan and Betty Kahn

    The D. Dan and Betty Kahn Health Care Pavilion is scheduled to open in fall 2025. The $920-million facility will include 264 private inpatient rooms, a neurosciences center, specialty cardiovascular and thoracic care services, and much more.

  7. Community-builder Leon Pryor takes Detroit’s FIRST Robotics program to new heights

    Having excelled in careers at Microsoft, Amazon, and now Meta, this 1997 electrical engineering alum and renowned video game engineer co-founded The Motor City Alliance to make Detroit a powerhouse for FIRST Robotics teams.

  8. Embracing a new ethos in business

    Michigan Ross professor Andy Hoffman took a cohort of business students on a lakeside retreat this summer to shed distractions, embrace a moral compass, and reflect on careers that promote commerce and serve society.

  9. Turning an economic eye on education

    As the first chief economist in the U.S. Dept. of Education, Ford School alumnus Jordan Matsudaira, PhD ’05, seeks to best promote academic and financial success for students in higher education. Ford professor Kevin Stange has a one-year appointment alongside Matsudaira.