University of Michigan--Dearborn

The University of Michigan–Dearborn (UM-Dearborn) is a public university in Dearborn, Michigan, United States. Founded in 1959 with a gift from the Ford Motor Company, it was initially known as the Dearborn Center, operating as a remote branch of the University of Michigan. Upon receiving its own accreditation in 1970, the branch became a fully-fledged university and subsequently changed its name to the University of Michigan–Dearborn. It continues to adhere to the policies of the University of Michigan Board of Regents without having a separate governing board. The university is classified among "R2: Doctoral Universities – High research spending and doctorate production" in the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education as of the 2025 update. Located in Metro Detroit, UM-Dearborn is also known for its community engagement within the region. Together with Oakland University, the University of Michigan-Flint, and Wayne State University, UM-Dearborn is one of the four Coalition of Urban and Metropolitan Universities (CUMU) members in the State of Michigan. The university's athletic teams are the Michigan-Dearborn Wolverines. They primarily compete in the Wolverine–Hoosier Athletic Conference. The University of Michigan-Dearborn Fieldhouse, opened in 1978, serves as the home to the men's and women's basketball teams. Notable alumni include the former COO of Ford Motor Company Kumar Galhotra, former chair of the Michigan Republican Party Saul Anuzis, and former member of the Michigan House of Representatives George Darany.