About

The Vice Provost for Access and Opportunity (VPAO) is a member of the provost leadership team, reporting directly to the Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs. This role leads campus-wide efforts to expand access and support academic success for all students across the Ann Arbor campus.

The VPAO oversees programs that promote college readiness, ease the transition to university life, and help students navigate their academic paths. These efforts include outreach to K–12 learners, support throughout the college experience, and initiatives that encourage meaningful engagement and personal growth. The portfolio also includes programs focused on spiritual, religious, and interfaith engagement, alongside dedicated support for the disability community.

The Vice Provost for Access and Opportunity:

  • Leads and advances programs and partnerships that enhance student access, readiness, and success at the University of Michigan.
  • Develops and implements initiatives aligned with our student success strategy, including outreach to K-12 students and support for students throughout their academic journey.
  • Oversees the enhancement of institutional culture, policies, and practices to facilitate opportunities for success across our communities.
  • Promotes spiritual, religious, and interfaith engagement, and support initiatives for our disability community.
  • Develops programming that helps all students feel valued and succeed academically and beyond.
  • Oversees the Center for Educational Outreach, Wolverine Pathways, and the Office of Academic Multicultural Initiatives.
  • Leads a small team in the provost’s office.
  • Works with faculty affairs to support the tenure and promotion process and faculty hiring at senior ranks.

Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education Angela Dillard is currently overseeing the VPAO portfolio while the search for a permanent hire is underway. Updates will be provided as the search progresses.

Central Office Staff

Dana Brown, Executive Assistant
Marionette Cano, Project Coordinator
Catalina Concha-Ormsby, Assistant Vice Provost for Access and Opportunity
Julie Kelley, Business Administrator
Marie Ting, Assistant Vice Provost for Access and Opportunity
Katrina Wade-Golden, Associate Vice Provost, Deputy Chief Diversity Officer
Deborah Willis, Assistant Vice Provost for Access and Opportunity

Unit Websites

  • Center for Educational Outreach (CEO): supports and advances the university’s commitment as a public university to educational engagement for academic excellence. CEO is a critical partner and resource to K-12 students, families, schools, and communities in the state of Michigan, and partners with U-M faculty, staff, and students to develop and implement programs that inform, engage, and inspire a diverse community of scholars.
  • Office of Academic Multicultural Initiatives (OAMI): designs and executes evidence informed, culturally- and community-grounded student initiatives that serve the entire student community, including historically marginalized populations. Programs take a holistic view of student success – supporting academic, social, and personal well-being – from one-on-one coaching to community-wide events.
  • Wolverine Pathways (WP): a college preparatory pipeline to the U-M Ann Arbor campus, providing college enrichment and guidance to highly motivated students from historically underserved schools in Michigan. Developed in collaboration with U-M faculty and staff, WP supports students from 7th-12th grades, fostering academic and social development while significantly increasing underrepresented undergraduates at U-M.

Current Affiliate and Partnership Websites