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Bio Star Disaster Restoration Services

Dustin Anger
1267 Belsay Rd, Burton, MI 48509
Contractor's Bio

Water Damage Restoration in Ann Arbor, MI

Owning a home or business is one of the hallmarks of living the American Dream. While there are many fulfilling and positive aspects of owning property, one of the challenges that owners face is property damage. This type of damage can be caused by a range of disasters, both man-made and natural. Of all the types of property damage, water damage is among the most common.

Whether from broken pipes or heavy thunderstorms, it doesn't take a professor from University of Michigan in Ann Arbor to know that water damage can be incredibly harmful to your home. Water can spread quickly throughout your property, causing damage to furniture and porous materials as it moves. In the blink of an eye, you could be looking at substantial rotting, warping, and even mold growth. That's why water damage restoration in Ann Arbor, MI is so important - to mitigate the damage to your home and help prevent it from happening in the future.

Trying to overcome flooding and other water-related disasters on your own can seem like a lost cause. But with Disaster Response by your side, you don't have to lose hope. As a local water damage clean-up company, we provide comprehensive restoration services to properties of all sizes in Ann Arbor. From the first time we assess your water damage to the time we mitigate and restore, we're here for you.

Disaster Review

What Our Clients Are Saying

Dealing with property damage can be overwhelming. You're likely concerned about a few key things:

insurance claim process
Navigating the insurance claim process

We guide you through every step, ensuring you understand the process and get the most out of your claim.

quality completion
Scheduling for a quick and quality completion

We provide a clear timeline for restoration, prioritizing both speed and quality, so you can get back to normal as soon as possible.

You might also be thinking about:

safety and health

Ensuring the safety and health of your family or employees during the restoration: Our team takes all necessary precautions to protect the safety and health of everyone involved, using the latest techniques and equipment.

assessment

Understanding the full scope of the damage and what needs to be done:We conduct a thorough assessment of the damage and provide a detailed plan of action, so you know exactly what to expect.

expenses

Knowing the costs upfront and avoiding unexpected expenses: We provide transparent pricing and a detailed estimate before any work begins, so there are no surprises along the way.

structural

Preventing future issues, such as mold growth or structural problems: We don't just fix the visible damage—we address the root causes to prevent future issues, giving you peace of mind.

Protecting

Protecting your belongings and valuables from further damage: We take extra care to safeguard your possessions during the restoration process, minimizing any further impact.

You might also be thinking
might also be thinking
Minimizing

Minimizing disruption to your daily life or business operations: We work efficiently and flexibly to reduce the disruption to your routine, allowing you to continue with your life or business as smoothly as possible.

trustworthy

Finding a trustworthy team to handle your property with care: Our experienced and highly-trained professionals treat your property as if it were their own, ensuring the highest standard of care.

Ensuring

Ensuring the job is done right the first time: We pride ourselves on doing the job right the first time, using industry-leading techniques and thorough quality checks to ensure lasting results.

updates

Receiving clear communication and updates throughout the restoration process: We keep you informed every step of the way, providing regular updates and clear communication, so you're never left in the dark.

involved

Ensuring the safety and health of your family or employees during the restoration: Our team takes all necessary precautions to protect the safety and health of everyone involved, using the latest techniques and equipment.

At Disaster Response

At Disaster Response, It's All About You

Like University of Michigan Museum of Natural History in Ann Arbor, Disaster Response has been a pillar of the community for years. As a second-generation disaster response company, we know that our work is never about us. At its most basic, it's always about you—your situation, your needs, and your satisfaction. We engineer our processes to help you quickly recover from water floods and disasters. Our total focus is on you, our valued customer. And that, in a nutshell, is what makes Disaster Response one of the most trusted and highly-rated water restoration companies in Ann Arbor.

Instead of focusing on profit, bottom lines, and yearly projections, we make you our priority. That's why we're serious about providing expert-level disaster preparedness and response services when you need them the most. Could you imagine trying to decipher misleading fine print or dealing with a pushy salesperson when you're just trying to get your life back together? That's not the Disaster Response way, and it never will be.

We don't just clean up after water leaks, floods, or other disasters; we go above and beyond by providing a consultative approach that serves you for years to come. We assist you in dealing with insurance adjusters to ensure you get the coverage you deserve without unnecessary delays. We make it a point to meticulously review every detail of your claim and work hard to make sure adjusters understand the full extent of your losses. We can also provide guidance on how and when to engage a public adjuster to bypass inefficiencies in the insurance process. At the end of the day, we strive to provide peace of mind during your difficult time and work tirelessly to get your property back to its pre-loss condition.

The Disaster Response Difference

number-one

Professional Technicians, Technology, and Processes

In fact, we'll dispatch a team of water disaster technicians to you within three minutes. We'll also advise you on what can be done to minimize the water damage in your home or business. Our water damage restoration team will use cutting-edge technology and IICRC-approved methods to restore as much of your property as possible.

number-two

Insurance Advocacy

Disaster Response works one-on-one with you and your insurance provider to expedite the claims process and get your home back to normal as soon as possible.

number-three

Satisfaction Guaranteed

We're proud of our work and stand behind every project we complete. Our goal is to exceed expectations and provide peace of mind throughout every step of your water damage restoration process. If you're not satisfied for any reason, we'll listen to your concerns and work tirelessly to rectify any issues that need addressing.

Disaster-Response Difference
Disaster Owner

Dustin Anger

Bio Star Disaster Restoration Services

Disaster Response Introducing Bio Star Disaster Restoration Services: The Premier Choice for Emergency Clean-Up**

At Disaster 911, we're elevating the standard with ( Bio Star Disaster Restoration Services ), our trusted go-to contractor for emergency clean-up services. While others may settle for the status quo, ( Bio Star Disaster Restoration Services ) takes an innovative approach to restoration.

From water and fire damage to mold remediation, ( Bio Star Disaster Restoration Services ) doesn't just follow industry norms-they set new ones. Our rigorous vetting process ensures that ( Bio Star Disaster Restoration Services ) exceeds expectations, delivering cutting-edge solutions for your emergency needs.

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1267 Belsay Rd, Burton, MI 48509

lm-phoneCall Us
Guide-Water-Damage.png

Your Guide to Water Damage Restoration in Ann Arbor, MI

Water damage restoration is a key step in remediating damage to your home, both structurally and aesthetically. Damage from water doesn't just affect the walls, floors, and ceilings in your home. It can also cause deeper issues that, when untreated, can weaken your foundation significantly and lead to long-term instability.

As if that weren't enough, water damage can present health hazards to your friends, family, and pets. Mold and bacteria can grow in damp areas after water incidents, causing allergies, respiratory problems, and even visits to Hillside Terrace Senior Living in Ann Arbor for examination. Ignoring water damage can also result in irreversible harm to your belongings, including furniture, electronics, and sentimental items, leading to financial loss and emotional distress. Professional water clean-up services can repair the damage to your property, help protect valuable assets, and re-establish your home or business as a safe, healthy environment for occupants.

What Makes Our Water Damage Company in Ann Arbor, MI, Different from Others?

One of the most common questions we get at Disaster Response is, "What separates you from other water damage clean-up companies in Ann Arbor?" The first and easiest answer to that question centers around our commitment to customer service. We hold our clients in high regard because, without them, there would be no Disaster Response. As such, we work tirelessly to provide them with quality work from friendly and helpful technicians, regardless of the size of their home or business.

But that's just the start. Our clients recommend friends and family to our business because we prioritize the following:

Investing-damage

Cost

Investing in damage restoration for your home is a smart move that can help reduce long-term costs. The best part? Our services are covered by insurance companies, so there's less worry about paying out of pocket.

specialized training

Technicians

Every member of our team has years of experience, specialized training, and certifications in handling water damage. We prioritize our customers' well-being and meticulously attend to every detail to prevent any potential mold-related issues in the future. From single-family homes to

disasters happen quicker

Time

Water disasters happen quicker than you might think. One moment, you're enjoying family time at Gallup Park in Ann Arbor. The next, you're pulling in your driveway to a flooded home. When you call our office, we'll get to work assessing the cause of your water damage and how extensive the water damage is in your home or business. From there, we'll dispatch a team of IICRC water damage restoration experts to your location.

significant investments

Tools

Disaster Response has made significant investments in cutting-edge water damage equipment, including inspection tools that enable thorough water removal. Our technicians have undergone extensive training to operate these machines and know when and when not to use them.

helping with water damage

Process

For over 40 years, we have been helping with water damage issues, refining our process along the way. We can quickly find hidden damages that others might miss and document everything for your insurance company.

Reliable Water Damage

Reliable Water Damage Restoration Network

We aren't afraid to ask for help if it means a safer, more enjoyable environment for your family or customers. In fact, we have access to a network of industry pros who are experts in a range of water damage services. To make your life a little easier, we also work with insurance professionals who assist with the claims process.

What Does Disaster Response Fix?

As an IICRC-certified water damage contractor in Ann Arbor, MI, our technicians can address several areas of your home or business that have been damaged by a water disaster.

  • Floors: It's very important to take the necessary time and steps to effectively dry your floors to prevent any potential water damage and mold growth in the future.
  • Walls: Depending on the amount of water that enters your business or home, the structural integrity of your property may be at stake. Our technicians will evaluate the situation, inspect your property, and replace materials damaged by water.
  • Rugs: If your rugs get wet during flooding or from another water disaster, they may be salvageable. We'll work hard to save all the rugs in your property.
  • Furniture: Your furniture is probably expensive and may hold a certain level of sentimental value. Instead of throwing it away or donating it to Kelsey Museum of Archaeology in Ann Arbor, we can repair and restore it.
Disaster Response Fix

Disaster Response specializes in every kind of damage caused by rain, wind, or snowstorms. We handle water damage, mold, mildew, and more, and can be at your home or office within an hour of your call to assess the situation and put a water damage restoration plan into action.

What Tools Does Disaster Response Use for Water Damage Clean-Up?

We only use the best equipment! With our extensive experience in the Ann Arbor restoration industry, we've acquired state-of-the-art tools designed to tackle a wide range of challenges. This experience has also allowed our technicians to identify which type of equipment is best for a particular situation. Some of the most common water damage restoration tools we use include:

Infrared

Infrared Cameras

Our infrared cameras give us the ability to see moisture in walls and ceilings that is not visible to the naked eye, almost like having "X-ray" vision. This capability allows us to detect and address trapped and hidden humidity, significantly reducing the risk of mold growth.

Moisture

Moisture Meters

We use moisture meters to measure moisture levels in cellulose material. Before and after the drying process, we will conduct moisture readings in all areas of your property. If we detect moisture in an unaffected area of your building, we'll get to work quickly to dry it.

Air Movers

Air Movers

This equipment is designed to work in conjunction with our dehumidifiers. While our dehumidifiers extract moisture from the air and convert it to a liquid, our Air Mover helps to circulate this moisture in the air so that the dehumidifier can effectively remove it.

Generators

Ozone Generators

These advanced tools enable us to cleanse affected surfaces and the air in a more effective manner. Ozone Generators work by causing oxygen molecules to implode, making them a valuable deodorization tool.

Xtractor

Xtreme Xtractor

This tool is great for tackling tough moisture after water damage. It allows us to apply direct pressure to a surface, like a carpet, that has soaked up water. The pressure helps draw out the water, making it easier to remove.

Top 3 Types of Water Damage You Should Know About

Water damage can strike without warning and can wreak havoc on your property, leaving you feeling hopeless and overwhelmed. Whether it's from a burst pipe, a severe storm, or an overflowing appliance, your property needs immediate water damage clean-up in Ann Arbor, MI, to prevent further harm. Here are the top three types of water damage you should know about:

Clean Water Damage

Clean Water Damage

Clean

This type of water damage happens from a "clean" source, such as rainwater or a broken pipe in your home. It's easier to clean up than others on this list but can still cause extensive property damage when ignored.

Gray Water Damage

Gray Water Damage

Gray-Water

Gray water damage stems from appliances such as toilets without feces, washing machines, and dishwashers. Gray water sometimes contains bacteria and contaminants that can make you or your family sick.

Black Water Damage

Black Water Damage

Black-Water

The name alone indicates the severity of this type of water damage. It's caused by backed-up sewer lines, river flooding, and standing water that supports bacteria growth. Black water presents serious health hazards and needs to be handled by professional water damage contractors.

If you suspect your home or business has been damaged by one or more of the types of water above, take the following steps:

Stop the Source of Water
  • Be Safe: Turn off all electricity running through your property. Don't go near or touch any water you believe to be contaminated.
  • Stop the Source of Water: If you're able, put a stop to the water at its source. That way, you can prevent more damage.
  • Call Disaster Response: Contact our water damage company ASAP for water restoration services. Our team is available 24/7 to respond to emergencies.

Our Process for Water Damage Restoration in Ann Arbor, MI

Having a water damage restoration company by your side who knows how to remediate moisture is a key factor in getting your life back on track. At Disaster Response, we have refined our process over 40+ years of water damage clean-up experience. That way, we can provide customers with reliable, comprehensive service when they need it the most.

We utilize powerful pumps and vacuums to eliminate standing water from your property. Swift water removal is essential in minimizing damage and lowering the likelihood of mold growth. Our team is dedicated to ensuring efficient water extraction to prevent any additional complications.

After extracting water from your property, we dry and dehumidify the impacted areas. We use industrial-grade dehumidifiers and air movers to do so to eliminate moisture from walls, floors, and furniture. Proper drying helps prevent warping, swelling, and the growth of mold.

Whenever we deal with water damage, we have to address the potential contaminants and bacteria that can enter your home. We make sure to thoroughly clean and sanitize all affected areas to create a safe living environment. This involves cleaning carpets, upholstery, and personal belongings. Our technicians also use antimicrobial treatments to prevent mold and bacterial growth.

The final step in the process is the restoration of your home to its pre-damage condition. This comprehensive restoration process may encompass a range of tasks, from minor repairs such as replacing drywall and installing new carpeting to major reconstruction efforts. Rest assured that Disaster Response is fully equipped to manage all aspects of water damage restoration, from start to finish.

  • Maintenance: Have your business or home's roof, appliances, and plumbing inspected by professionals to spot early signs of wear and tear.
  • Water Alarms: If there is a flood or leak in your home, a water alarm can alert you so that you can take action immediately.
  • Drainage: Your home needs proper drainage systems in place at all times. To prevent water buildup, be sure to unclog your downspouts and gutters.
  • Cracks and Gaps: Be sure to seal up any cracks and gaps in your property's foundation to limit water from getting inside.
Disaster Response Fix

The Water Damage Company in Ann Arbor, MI, You Can Trust

When you want a great steak, you don't go to a fast-food joint and expect a filet. You go to a The Chop House Ann Arbor in Ann Arbor. When you need quality disaster response services from licensed professionals, you don't go to a fly-by-night shop. You contact Disaster Response.

As a local water damage clean-up business, we believe that providing clients with effective service that they can rely on in times of stress is of utmost importance. While some of our competitors prioritize profits over people, you can rest easy knowing we care about you - and that's something you can always count on when you choose our water damage company.

Whether a pipe has burst in your commercial space and your showroom is flooding, or your home has standing water from a Ann Arbor rainstorm, we're here for you 24/7. Contact our office to learn more about the Disaster Response difference or to schedule an inspection for your property today.

Contact Your Emergency Disaster Response Now!

Latest News in Ann Arbor, MI

See where Michigan medical schools ranked nationally per U.S. News

Multiple Michigan universities rank among the nation’s top medical schools with a couple of major caveats, according to U.S. News and World Report.Rankings for both research and primary care schools were released by the national publication on Tuesday, April 8.Medical schools for the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor and Michigan State University were not listed among the top tiers overall...

Multiple Michigan universities rank among the nation’s top medical schools with a couple of major caveats, according to U.S. News and World Report.

Rankings for both research and primary care schools were released by the national publication on Tuesday, April 8.

Medical schools for the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor and Michigan State University were not listed among the top tiers overall, but both schools appeared on lists ranking the most graduates practicing in primary care and in underserved and rural areas.

Not all major Michigan universities were included in the 2024 rankings, as well. About 20% of the top 100 medical schools in both research and primary care rankings as of 2022-23 declined to participate in the statistical survey for this year’s placements.

Read more: University of Michigan Medical School pulls out of U.S. News rankings

Of the medical research schools overall, there were 16 ranked in the top tier or tier 1.

Wayne State University was listed among tier 2, an improvement from last year’s ranking, while Central Michigan University and Oakland University (Beaumont) were listed as tier 3.

There were also a top 16 for tier 1 primary care medical schools. CMU was listed as tier 3, Wayne State at tier 3 and Oakland at tier 4.

Michigan State University’s College of Osteopathic Medicine ranked No. 2 among schools with the most graduates practicing in primary care, which is 12 rankings higher than last year. Meanwhile, MSU’s College of Human Medicine ranked No. 50, or 10 rankings lower, in that same category, followed by CMU at No. 52, Wayne State tied at No. 85, and Western Michigan University tied at No. 97.

The University of Michigan-Ann Arbor ranked No. 119 among schools with the most graduates practicing in primary care. Oakland ranked No. 131 out of 170.

Central Michigan had the most graduates working in rural areas at No. 20, followed by MSU’s College of Osteopathic Medicine at No. 57, Oakland at No. 79, UM-Ann Arbor at No. 82, WMU tied at No. 84, and Wayne State at No. 93.

MSU’s College of Osteopathic Medicine ranked at No. 3 for graduates practicing in medically underserved areas. Central Michigan ranked No. 17, Wayne State No. 3, MSU’s College of Human Medicine at No. 40, UM at No. 60 and Oakland at No. 83.

Some key details for both UM and MSU’s colleges of osteopathic and human medicine were not listed with U.S. News.

Details for the other Michigan medical schools, including in-state, full-time tuition, enrollment and acceptance rates, were listed as follows:

CMU’s College of Medicine

Full-time tuition: $46,150

Enrollment: 416

Acceptance rate: 3.6%

Faculty-student ratio: 0.2 to 1

Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine

Full-time tuition: $60,278

Enrollment: 516

Acceptance rate: 5.8%

Faculty-student ratio: 1.2 to 1

Wayne State University School of Medicine

Full-time tuition: $39,975

Enrollment: 1,229

Acceptance rate: 7.6%

Faculty-student ratio: 0.7 to 1

If you would like more reporting like this delivered free to your inbox, click here and signup for our weekly newsletter: Michigan Schools.

MI Local: Ann Arbor songwriter Lauren Blackford live at WDET; new music from JR JR + more

MI Local is the show where you can literally meet the local music scene! Each week, I’ll premiere new tracks from artists based all around metro Detroit and the greater Michigan music scene, but I love having the opportunity to invite songwriters into the studio for interviews!Ann Arbor based singer-songwriter Lauren Blackford made the drive over to Detroit this Tuesday to visit the studio and talk about her recent EP, &ldqu...

MI Local is the show where you can literally meet the local music scene! Each week, I’ll premiere new tracks from artists based all around metro Detroit and the greater Michigan music scene, but I love having the opportunity to invite songwriters into the studio for interviews!

Ann Arbor based singer-songwriter Lauren Blackford made the drive over to Detroit this Tuesday to visit the studio and talk about her recent EP, “The Loft Sessions” — the stripped down acoustic renditions of her debut EP, “One Too Many Times.”

Blackford is an up-and-coming singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist who began performing around the scene a little more than a year ago. Her effervescent blend of pop and indie-rock ballads produce tracks that bounce from pared back acoustic strums to glitzy electronic flourishes, all while bolstering dulcet vocals that soar into punchy choruses threaded with sweet melodies sure to get stuck in your head for weeks.

Blackford studied music production while in high school and taught herself guitar after graduation. Back in February, she performed an album release party for her debut at Ziggy’s in Ypsilanti, and just this week she’s celebrating her latest release, “The Loft Sessions.”

Blackford joined MI Local in-studio to perform one of her songs live for WDET listeners, titled “Reset Button.”

She told listeners about how her drive to teach herself not only how to play guitar, but also how to start DIY at-home production, to begin recording the songs for her debut release. She’s been singing and playing music (starting on piano) for much of her life, and started writing songs as a teenager.

Now, fresh out of college, she’s essentially hit the ground running when it comes to making her way into the Michigan music scene.

Along with sharing stories behind some of her candid, heart-aching lyrics, Blackford also shared the anecdote behind the titular “loft” where she recorded songs from “One Too Many Times,live. Speaking of live, WDET listeners were also treated to a live performance by Blackford, in-studio, during MI Local, performing “A Good Thing,” on acoustic guitar.

Blackford will be headlining The Blind Pig in her hometown of Ann Arbor on Thursday, April 24; she’ll also be performing, as Madonna, at the annual Detroit X Detroit showcase happening on Saturday, April 26, at the Loving Touch in Ferndale.

Along with this feature, we played the latest from the Detroit/LA-based indie-pop duo JR JR, and the newest song from Detroit/LA-based pop-singer-songwriter Chloe Moriondo.

We also explored some more eclectic flavors, including some new electro-space-jazz musings from Justin Walter, and the latest from Detroit-based electronica artist Darren Shelton.

Plus, we sampled some folk songs from Detroit’s own Mike Ward, who performs this Saturday at the Trinity House, and a new song from Ann Arbor folk singer Ananda Murari.

Oh, and if you stick around for the whole show, you’ll find out what my favorite White Stripes song is…

MI Local Playlist for April 8, 2025

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These are the top engineering schools in Michigan, U.S. News ranking says

One Michigan university has been pushed out of the top 10 graduate engineering schools in the country, according to the latest rankings from U.S. News and World Report.Several others, meanwhile, retained places on the lengthy list overall.The 2025 rankings for best graduate schools in several disciplines were released on Tuesday, April 8, and the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor was ranked at No. 11 in...

One Michigan university has been pushed out of the top 10 graduate engineering schools in the country, according to the latest rankings from U.S. News and World Report.

Several others, meanwhile, retained places on the lengthy list overall.

The 2025 rankings for best graduate schools in several disciplines were released on Tuesday, April 8, and the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor was ranked at No. 11 in engineering.

The Ann Arbor engineering school fell two spots from its previous rank last year.

However, it was the only Michigan university’s engineering school to make the top 50.

Michigan State University was tied with four other institutions at No. 59. Elsewhere, Michigan Technological University was No. 89, and the University of Michigan-Dearborn was No. 166.

Lawrence Technological University, Oakland University, University of Detroit Mercy and Western Michigan University were ranked between Nos. 181 and 198.

Read more: See where Michigan medical schools ranked nationally

Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Stanford University and University of California, Berkley, and Georgia Institute of Technology were Nos. 1 to 4.

Despite being pushed out of the top 10, UM-Ann Arbor placed high in the following engineering areas:

U.S. News engineering rankings rate schools’ research activity, faculty resources, academic achievements of entering students and assessments by other top schools and employers.

The methodology is separate from other U.S. News rankings, including undergraduate and online master’s degrees in engineering.

From fall 2024 to early 2025, 222 engineering schools that grant doctoral degrees were surveyed, and 196 responded with data. U.S. News scored them on nine factors with research activity making up 50%.

The following are some of the other details collected from universities in Michigan.

University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

Tuition: $32,486 (in state)

Enrollment: 4,109

Acceptance rate: 27.4%

Student-faculty ratio: 4.6 to 1

Rankings: No. 11 overall, top 10 in several disciplines

Michigan State University

Tuition: $992 per credit (in state)

Enrollment: 938

Acceptance rate: 22.2%

Student-faculty ratio: 2.9 to 1

Michigan Technological University

Tuition: $1,516 per credit (in and out of state)

Enrollment: 813

Acceptance rate: 26.8%

Student-faculty ratio: 1.4 to 1

University of Michigan-Dearborn

Tuition: $1,154 per credit (in state)

Enrollment: 1,241

Acceptance rate: 60.8%

Student-faculty ratio: 1.2 to 1

Lawrence Technological University

Tuition: $20,692

Enrollment: 394

Acceptance rate: 49.8%

Student-faculty ratio: 0 to 1

Oakland University

Tuition: $915 per credit (in state)

Enrollment: 592

Acceptance rate: 90.8%

Student-faculty ratio: 1.4 to 1

University of Detroit Mercy

Tuition: $918 per credit

Enrollment: 106

Acceptance rate: 85.3%

Student-faculty ratio: 0.3 to 1

Western Michigan University

Tuition: $19.154 (in state)

Enrollment: 283

Acceptance rate: 49.8%

Student-faculty ratio: 0.8 to 1

If you would like more reporting like this delivered free to your inbox, click here and signup for our weekly newsletter: Michigan Schools.

University of Michigan’s chief diversity officer is leaving for new job following DEI cuts

ANN ARBOR, MI - The University of Michigan’s chief diversity officer is leaving for a new position nearly two weeks after the institution made some drastic cuts to its DEI offices and programs. Tabbye Chavous is set to become the new executive director for the American Educational Research Association, effective Aug. 11. It is currently unclear when her last day is with U...

ANN ARBOR, MI - The University of Michigan’s chief diversity officer is leaving for a new position nearly two weeks after the institution made some drastic cuts to its DEI offices and programs.

Tabbye Chavous is set to become the new executive director for the American Educational Research Association, effective Aug. 11. It is currently unclear when her last day is with UM.

She began her role as chief diversity officer and vice provost for equity and inclusion in August 2022 for a five-year renewable term. She succeeded Robert Sellers, who was UM’s first diversity officer.

Chavous is also a professor of education and psychology at UM and has had other roles over the years, including serving as the director of the National Center for Institutional Diversity.

Chavous’ decision comes shortly after UM ended its DEI 2.0 Strategic Plan and shuttered its Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and Office for Health Equity and Inclusion on March 27. These changes come as universities face funding threats around DEI under President Donald Trump’s administration.

UM shared it plans to “shift resources to increase investments in student-facing programs,” like financial aid, mental health resources and pre-professional counseling in the coming months.

Read more: What we know so far about the University of Michigan axing DEI initiatives

Chavous could not be reached for comment on Tuesday.

“We are delighted to welcome Dr. Chavous as the next leader of AERA,” said AERA President Janelle Scott in a statement on April 7. “Her deep expertise in education research and unwavering commitment to promoting evidence-based policies and practices make her the ideal choice to guide our organization toward continued growth and success.”

Scott said she is “confident” Chavous will expand its impact and “drive meaningful change,” especially “at a time when support for high-quality research is key to advancing education” in the United States.

Related: University of Michigan decision to curb DEI is sharp turn after decade of work

Chavous is taking over the position from Felice Levine, who served as executive director since 2002.

In the statement, Chavous said she is looking forward to building on the work that has established the association as a “leading resource for the national and international community.”

“This is a challenging time for those who understand the value of rigorous research and scholarship, who seek to expand access and opportunity, and who cultivate the next generation of scholars and practitioners to make positive societal impacts. Our work is needed now more than ever,” she said.

UM spokespeople did not respond to questions regarding Chavous’ last day at UM, or if someone will be filling her position following her departure.

Chavous’ position as vice provost had a listed salary of $416,898, according to the 2024 University of Michigan salary rate of faculty and staff.

As Chavous ends her time at UM, Provost Laurie McCauley commended her work, calling her a “visionary educator” and a “collaborative colleague” who will be a “tremendous asset” to AERA.

“She has enriched our campus immensely in her time here,” McCauley said in a statement. “Her tenure at Michigan has been defined by a passion for research, relentless creativity, and kindness toward everyone she knows. She will be missed.”

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Ann Arbor SPARK returns to promote Michigan's startup opportunities at SXSW conference

Continuing a commitment to elevate Michigan as a nationwide leader in mobility, manufacturing, and entrepreneurial innovation, Ann Arbor SPARK returned to the SXSW conference in Austin, Texas, this year. The organization co-sponsored Michigan Day at the conference's Midwest House on March 11. Michigan Day spotlighted Michigan's startup funding strategies and influence in hardtech (solutions that combine h...

Continuing a commitment to elevate Michigan as a nationwide leader in mobility, manufacturing, and entrepreneurial innovation, Ann Arbor SPARK returned to the SXSW conference in Austin, Texas, this year. The organization co-sponsored Michigan Day at the conference's Midwest House on March 11. Michigan Day spotlighted Michigan's startup funding strategies and influence in hardtech (solutions that combine hardware and software) and advanced air mobility.

"It was important for SPARK to be there because we are a credible player in this space," says Loren Townes Jr., director of entrepreneurial services at SPARK Central. "It's about doing our best to equip all of our stakeholders with the tools they need to be innovative and drive economic prosperity and innovation in our region."

Backed by 79 partner organizations, Midwest House hosted a record-breaking four-day event highlighting the region's strengths. Nearly 9,000 attendees were treated to a mix of panels, pitch competitions, and performances. In total, there were 55 events and 151 speakers.

On Michigan Day, Mike Flanagan, SPARK’s vice president of capital programs, led a panel featuring Crystal Brown, co-founder and CEO of CircNova; Josef Hjelmaker, founder and CEO of Electric Outdoors; and Jim Tenzillo, principal of Michigan Outdoor Innovation Fund. The panel provided transparent, practical advice for entrepreneurs navigating the fundraising landscape, emphasizing relationship building and personal storytelling.

"Mike reminded founders in the audience that most investors do have a specific thesis that they're interested in," Townes says. "So it's good for founders to do research and have that knowledge, so they can better target their approach."

Throughout SXSW 2025, the Ann Arbor SPARK team also engaged with other trailblazers in areas ranging from deepfake defense and lunar mining to regenerative capitalism.

One "gem" that Townes says he's exploring is "the importance of being curious about and rethinking" the idea of investing in companies to build economies alongside impact.

"It's not necessarily just to make money, but to actually repair and strengthen the world around us," he says. "We can use capitalism as a tool to be able to do that. It can be a tool for repairing, not just a reward."

Moving forward on the heels of SXSW, Townes is eager to transform the knowledge he gained into "tangible impact."

"I met people from different spaces, from different places nationally, and those relationships could materialize into wonderful things right here," he says. "We've brought back a lot of knowledge that can benefit the local community."

Jaishree Drepaul is a writer and editor based in Ann Arbor. She can be reached at jaishreeedit@gmail.com.

Photo courtesy of Ann Arbor SPARK.

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