Dean, College of Public Service and Urban Affairs, Tennessee State University 615-963-7201 harrism@aascu.org
Michael Harris, Ph.D. A leader with sound business acumen and a strong scholarly reputation. Exercises creative leadership that is mission focused, forward looking, and team oriented. Demonstrated skills include: critical thinking, entrepreneurship, network and consensus building, and innovation. Broad global perspective, and transformation expertise that bridges organizations and cultures and brings together government, business and academic stakeholders. Experienced in managing complex organizations, providing fiscal and financial oversight, assessing risk and strategic planning. Five books and close to forty refereed academic papers and book chapters. October 2012 – Present:
Senior Fellow, AASCU, American Association of State Colleges and Universities Fellow, SUNY, State University of New York, Levin Institute
Academic Professional Experience July 2013 – Present
Tennessee State University
Nashville, TN
Dean and Professor of The College of Public Service and Urban Affairs
July 2010 – Sept. 2012
Indiana University Kokomo
Kokomo, IN
Chancellor and Professor of Public and Environmental Affairs, Business and Education
Increased enrollment to a 67-year historic record. Achieved record-breaking fund raising amounts, including a $1.25M cash gift. Initiated the design, approval and secured all necessary funding to establish the Milt and Jean Cole Family Wellness and Fitness Center. Developed and implemented three-year strategic plan with significant faculty buy-in (2012-2015). Introduced 16 new academic programs including Bachelor of Applied Science and B.S. in Hospitality. Led IUK to become a key partner in regional transformation in North Central Indiana. Guided campus to be ranked for the first time by U.S. News and World Report.
July 2007 – June 2010
Kettering University
Flint, MI
Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs and Professor of Public Policy
Awarded a total of $1.9m from the Kern Family Foundation to implement Entrepreneurship Across the Curriculum and Institution program. Led collaboration with Swedish Bio-Gas International to create the Flint Center of Energy Excellence. Initiated and developed strategic training partnerships with GM, SAIC Motor Corporation, Liuzhou Wuling Motors Company Ltd., and the China Automotive Technology & Research Center. Led Academic Affairs and Student Affairs in developing a vision and strategic plan. Increased retention from 85.1% in 2007 to 94.3% in 2010.
July 2004 – May 2007
Ferris State University
Big Rapids, MI