Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs C. Cybele Raver has been named president-designate of the University of Michigan and will transition out of her role at Vanderbilt later this fall. She will begin her new role as president of Michigan on Dec. 1.
Michigan's Board of Regents is expected to formally vote on Raver's appointment on Sept. 1.
"This is an extraordinary opportunity for Cybele and a fitting recognition of the vision and impact she has demonstrated throughout her career-and especially during her five years at Vanderbilt," Chancellor Daniel Diermeier said. "While she will be deeply missed as a trusted partner and colleague, I am tremendously proud and grateful for all she has done to advance our university."
Raver joined Vanderbilt as provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs in July 2021. During her tenure, she has helped lead one of the most consequential periods of academic growth and innovation in the university's history.
Under Raver's leadership, Vanderbilt launched the College of Connected Computing, the university's first new college in four decades, and recruited seven new deans, reshaping academic leadership across the university. She also spearheaded Discovery Vanderbilt, a university-wide initiative designed to accelerate pathbreaking research and discovery across disciplines.
Raver set ambitious goals for Vanderbilt's research enterprise as it reached record heights, surpassing $1 billion in annual research expenditures and $100 million in annual technology transfer revenue. She also strengthened the university's infrastructure for research operations, faculty development and student well-being while advancing efforts to recruit outstanding faculty and students from around the world.
Raver played a central role in major investments in Vanderbilt's academic and physical campus, including the construction of a new state-of-the-art science building and the addition of 1,300 residential beds. She also led academic strategy for Vanderbilt's network expansion in New York City, West Palm Beach and San Francisco and extended the university's educational reach through Vanderbilt Online and AdvancED.
"Cybele's impact on Vanderbilt has been profound," Diermeier said. "Her leadership has strengthened the university at every level-advancing our academic ambitions, accelerating discovery and innovation, and creating the conditions for our faculty, students and schools to thrive. Her vision and relentless focus on excellence have positioned the university for lasting impact in the years ahead."
"Serving as Vanderbilt's provost has been one of the great privileges of my career," Raver said. "I am deeply grateful to the chancellor, my senior team and our faculty, students and staff for their partnership as we advanced our shared ambitions for this university. What we have accomplished together reflects the extraordinary talent, creativity and commitment of this community. Vanderbilt has never been more ambitious about what it can achieve, and I leave with tremendous pride in what we have built together and great confidence in all that lies ahead."
Raver will continue serving as provost through Oct. 31, remaining focused on advancing key university priorities and ensuring a strong transition of Vanderbilt's academic leadership before beginning her new role at Michigan on Dec. 1.
Tiffiny Tung, vice provost for undergraduate education and growth initiatives, Ingram Chair in Anthropology and professor of anthropology and archaeology, will serve as interim provost following Raver's departure. Tung will provide continuity in academic leadership and help sustain momentum on Vanderbilt's strategic priorities as the university conducts a national search for its next provost.
Vanderbilt will launch that search in partnership with executive search firm Spencer Stuart. Darren Reisberg, vice chancellor for operations and the campus network, will chair the search committee. Additional information about the search process and opportunities for engagement from the Vanderbilt community will be shared in the coming weeks.
