Abby Parrill - Baker

Abby Parrill-Baker was appointed provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs at the University of Michigan-Flint, effective June 1, 2025, with tenure in green chemistry and biochemistry. She previously served as dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Memphis, where she led more than 400 full-time faculty members, expanded pathways to professional schools, and helped secure more than $5 million in funding for experiential learning. Parrill-Baker earned her bachelor’s degree from Central Michigan University and a master’s degree in chemistry and a doctorate in chemistry, both from the University of Arizona. During her time as interim provost at Memphis, she played a key role in implementing a responsibility-centered management budget model and collaborated on statewide efforts to improve degree program evaluation. Her earlier administrative experience includes serving as associate dean and chair of chemistry. A respected scholar in computational and medicinal chemistry, Parrill-Baker has authored more than 100 peer-reviewed publications, co-edited six books, and holds six patents, with research support from major national funding agencies. She has been honored for her research and teaching, including receiving the Willard R. Sparks Eminent Faculty Award from the University of Memphis.