Ono highlights impact of state support on student success, affordability, economic growth

Santa Ono, 15th president of the University of Michigan

In testimony before the Michigan House Appropriations Subcommittee on Higher Education and Community Colleges in Lansing on April 30, President Santa J. Ono reinforced the vital role state funding plays in furthering the success of students, driving economic development, and maintaining affordable access to a world-class higher education experience for students across the state.

  1. Multiracial group of tweens collaborates on a project using art supplies, etc. Super cute.

    Too much screen time? U-M pioneers digital wellness program for youths

    Addiction, cyberbullying, eating disorders, anxiety, and other mental health issues caused by problematic digital practices and an increase in screen time are some of the themes of a new and unique U-M interprofessional Peer-to-Peer Digital Wellness class.

  2. Anatomical drawings of muscles, limbs

    How trauma gets ‘under the skin’

    U-M researchers have found that people who experienced greater childhood adversity, reporting one or more traumatic or adverse events, had poorer muscle metabolism later in life. The researchers say the effects of childhood adverse events remained significant even after they controlled for other factors that could potentially impact muscle function such as age, gender, educational attainment, and more.

  3. Debate winners celebrate national title by displaying competition bracket

    U-M debate team secures its first national title

    After finishing runner-up seven times, the U-M debate team clinched its first national championship April 8. U-M Debate, which began in 1903, is one of the oldest debate programs in the United States. Debaters Kelly Phil and Bennett Dombcik won on a 5-0 decision against the University of Kansas in the 2024 tournament.

  4. Researchers in robotics lab

    Better battery manufacturing: Robotic lab vets new reaction design strategy

    New chemistries for batteries, semiconductors, and more could be easier to manufacture, thanks to a new approach to making chemically complex materials that researchers at U-M and Samsung’s Advanced Materials Lab have demonstrated.

  5. Scientists look at computer screen and mapping atlast of the human ovary

    First atlas of the human ovary with cell-level resolution is a step toward artificial ovary

    Insights could lead to treatments restoring ovarian hormone production and the ability to have biologically related children, according to U-M engineers. Researchers could potentially create artificial ovaries using tissues that were stored and frozen before exposure to toxic medical treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation.

  6. Mysterious, starry image

    The most precise measurement of our expanding universe

    With 5,000 tiny robots in a mountaintop telescope, researchers can look 11 billion years into the past. Now, using the largest 3D map of our cosmos ever constructed, the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument reveals the most precise measurements to date of how fast the universe has expanded throughout its history.

Creativity and connection across prison walls

One of the world’s largest and longest-running exhibitions of incarcerated artists is back with new programming designed to foster connection and deepen public understanding of incarceration in Michigan. The 29th annual Exhibition of Artists in Michigan Prisons, curated by U-M’s Prison Creative Arts Project, showcases 772 artworks by 538 artists incarcerated in 26 state prisons. The Duderstadt Center Gallery on U-M’s North Campus is presenting the artwork through April 1.

  • Most Wanted by Samantha Bachynski

    The exhibition features diverse styles and media, including paintings, portraits, tattoo imagery, landscapes, sculpture, fiber arts and found materials. Each fall, volunteers, including students, select the pieces and visit every prison in Michigan to interact directly with the artists. (See original image)

    Colorful night sky shows through tree branches. 2025 PCAP exhibition.

  • Tangerine Dreams by Matisse Bravo

    For over 35 years, PCAP has worked to bridge the gap between incarcerated individuals and the broader community through artistic collaboration, mutual learning and growth. The program has expanded to include undergraduate courses, weekly art workshops in Michigan prisons, an annual literary review and year-round events to foster dialogue and connection. (See original image)

    A plate of tangerines and tangerine slices on a green table with yellow wall. PCAP exhibition 2025.

  • Peacefulness by Susan Brown

    According to Emily Chase, PCAP’s exhibition and curatorial coordinator, themes of community and mentorship emerged strongly in this year’s collection. (See original image)

    Colorful landscape with stripes and a mountains. PCAP exhibition 2025.

  • Paths #2 by Kendall Leonard

    The exhibition allows incarcerated artists to have their voices heard beyond prison walls. “Their voices are so often silenced, and this is one of the few areas where they can feel heard,” says Mattie Levy, PCAP community engagement coordinator. (See original image)

    Colorful abstract painting from the 2025 PCAP exhibition.

  • Mountain Honey by Terry Stinebeck

    “We witnessed experienced artists mentoring newcomers and saw how the artistic efforts of one individual can motivate and inspire others,” says PCAP’s Emily Chase. (See original image)

    A serene landscape with a yellow sky and mountains. PCAP exhibition 2025.

  • House of Kards by Michael Browning

    Visitors to the Duderstadt exhibition can experience an audio tour that features select stories from some of the artists. (See original image)

    Abstract painting of a face card from a deck of cards. PCAP exhibition 2025.

  • Happiness Within by Groot

    This year, the exhibition introduced a new event, “Art and Music: A Collaborative Concert,” in which students performed original musical compositions inspired by select artworks. (See original image)

    Abstract image of youth with a surreal balloon. PCAP exhibition 2025.

  • Garden Escapades by Tim Brownell

    The concert that complemented the exhibition was a way to empower and unite with people impacted by the justice system through a shared love of creativity, says Ty Bloomfield, one of the event’s organizers. (See original image)

    A farm scene with crops growing in rows and red barn. PCAP exhibition 2025.

  • DMX by David Hudson-Bey

    The 2025 exhibition was presented with support from the Michigan Arts and Culture Council and the U-M Residential College. (See original image)

    Abstract of DMX painting with blues and greens. PCAP exhibition 2025.

  • Did I do that? by Daniel Teriberi

    For nearly three decades, the exhibition has provided a platform for incarcerated artists to share their work with the public, shedding light on personal narratives and the power of artistic expression. (See original image)

    Colorful abstract painting in 2025 PCAP exhibition.