Home About Rackham Office Directory Rackham Board of Governors Rackham Board of Governors The Rackham Board of Governors was established according to the terms of the Rackham bequest, which was accepted by the Board of Regents in September 1935. The bequest calls for the continued existence of this body. The president of the university serves as chair of the board, and the Rackham dean serves as secretary. The three other members serve six-year terms. The board itself approves the appointment of new members as vacancies arise. Purpose of the Board The purpose of the Board of Governors is three-fold. Investment Strategy To review the investment strategy of the endowment funds (which are co-mingled with the University’s general endowment) to assure they are handled in a responsible way. Annual Budget To approve an annual budget for use of the funds as proposed by the Rackham Dean. Represent Horace and Mary Rackham To represent Horace and Mary Rackham by enforcing the terms of the bequest and applying them when questions arise, for example, for special use of funds, issues related to the Rackham Building, terms of Board members, etcetera. Members Domenico Grasso Interim President, University of Michigan; Chair, Board of Governors Michael J. Solomon Dean, Rackham Graduate School; Vice Provost for Academic Affairs – Graduate Studies, University of Michigan Suzanne Barbour Dean, the Graduate School; Vice Provost for Graduate Education, Duke University Damon A. Williams Expert in Strategic Diversity Leadership, Youth Development, Corporate Responsibility, and Organizational Change