The University of Michigan is dedicating the 2026-27 academic year to its Look to Michigan vision, focusing on promoting healthy communities. The theme of “Human Health and Well-Being” will drive the university’s initiatives, offering the community various events and learning opportunities. Provost Laurie McCauley emphasized the university’s ongoing commitment to enhancing human health and well-being, noting the theme year as a chance to unite the community.
The Human Health and Well-Being impact area has five objectives:
- Foster a health-conscious campus culture by integrating well-being into all aspects of university life, addressing mental, physical and emotional wellness.
- Advance public health through innovations in patient care and strategic collaborations to tackle local and global health challenges.
- Address health equity by focusing research on the needs of underserved communities to create lasting positive impacts.
- Lead in health care delivery innovation by setting national benchmarks for safety and quality through research and clinical excellence.
- Promote scientific progress and enhance health outcomes through a world-leading research ecosystem.
David C. Miller, CEO of Michigan Medicine, highlighted the theme year’s role in advancing U-M’s mission, emphasizing that health is shaped by environments, discoveries, and community service. The initiative aims to foster new connections and drive innovation statewide and beyond.
The theme will be co-led by:
- John Ayanian, a distinguished professor and director at the Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation.
- Rob Ernst, chief health officer and associate vice president for health and wellness in Student Life.
- Karen Schmidt, senior director of MHealthy, Health and Well-being Services.
Bobby Hewlett, interim executive VP and CFO, stated the university’s dedication to human health, underscoring the importance of integrating well-being into campus life. Co-leads will work with stakeholders to develop focus areas guiding programming and funding for the year. Details on priorities and events will be revealed in the fall on the Look to Michigan site. The theme follows previous years focused on “Life-Changing Education” and “Democracy, Civic & Global Engagement.”
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