Faculty & Staff

Leadership and instructional staff at University of Detroit Mercy

Detroit, MI

🎓 Leadership

Dr. Donald B. Taylor

President

Chief Administrator

📊 How does our instructional staff compare?

Understanding faculty composition helps evaluate the quality and diversity of instruction at University of Detroit Mercy.

👨‍🏫
308
Total Instructional Staff
🎯
19
Core Faculty
👥
12.0:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Excellent - Exceptional individual attention
🛡️
23.1%
Job Security Index

🎯 What does a 12.0:1 student-faculty ratio mean for you?

🏆 Excellent - Exceptional individual attention

What This Means For Your Education:

Personalized instruction and mentoring

Easy access to professors during office hours

Small class sizes encourage active participation

Professors know students by name and learning style

More opportunities for research collaboration

How This Compares

Typical for:

Elite private colleges, specialized programs

Industry Context:

Small colleges/specialized programs: 8:1 - 20:1
Average colleges: 15:1 - 30:1
Large universities: 25:1 - 50:1
Online-heavy institutions: 50:1+

Faculty Composition & Diversity

308
Total Instructional Staff
19
Total Faculty
40.0%
Women in Leadership
21.1%
Faculty of Color

Tenure Status Distribution

Tenure Status
Tenured

Faculty with permanent positions

23.1%
71 faculty
Non-Tenure Track

Contract-based faculty

6.2%
19 faculty

Academic Rank Distribution

Assistant Professors

Early-career tenure-track faculty

215.8%(41)
Instructors & Lecturers

Teaching-focused faculty

152.6%(29)
Associate Professors

Mid-career faculty with tenure

105.3%(20)

Faculty Composition Summary

Faculty Size:19 faculty members out of 308 total instructional staff

Job Security:23% have tenure, 0% are tenure-track

Diversity:21% faculty of color, 16% underrepresented minorities

Leadership Representation:40% of senior positions held by women

Academic Structure:assistant professors represent the largest faculty group (216%)

📊 Complete Faculty-Student Ratio Analysis

The official student-to-faculty ratio for this institution:

Student-to-Faculty Ratio

Excellent
12.0:1

What it measures:Official IPEDS ratio using Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) students and faculty

Why it matters:The standard metric used by College Navigator and official comparisons

🎯 Understanding This Ratio

This is the official ratio reported to the U.S. Department of Education, calculated using Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) students and faculty. FTE adjusts for part-time enrollment and staffing, giving a more accurate picture of actual class sizes than raw headcounts. This is the same ratio shown on College Navigator and used in official comparisons.

🌟 Why does faculty diversity matter for college students?

Real-World Industry Representation

Industry Connections

Diverse faculty bring connections across different sectors and companies, expanding job opportunities for graduates.

Cultural Competency

Faculty from diverse backgrounds prepare students to work effectively in multicultural workplace environments.

Role Models & Mentorship

Students see themselves reflected in faculty, increasing confidence and career aspirations in their chosen trades.

Academic & Job Security Benefits

Teaching Continuity

Higher tenure rates mean more stable, long-term relationships between students and experienced instructors.

Investment in Excellence

Institutions with secure faculty positions attract and retain higher-quality instructors committed to student success.

Program Consistency

Lower faculty turnover ensures curriculum consistency and ongoing improvements to training programs.

Faculty Performance Benchmarks

🛡️

Tenure Security

Percentage of faculty with tenure

Significantly Below Average
This Institution23.1%
National Average35.2%
State Average14.5%
Performance vs National Average
Below Average
👥

Gender Diversity

Percentage of women faculty

Average
This Institution54.2%
National Average52.4%
State Average48.1%
Performance vs National Average
Above Average
🌍

Racial Diversity

Percentage of faculty of color

Below Average
This Institution21.1%
National Average26.0%
State Average16.1%
Performance vs National Average
Below Average

Faculty-to-Student Ratios

Lower ratios indicate more personalized attention for students

Student-to-Faculty Ratio (IPEDS)

Official FTE-based ratio

12.0:1
Excellent

Ratios shown as students per faculty member. Lower numbers indicate smaller class sizes and more individual attention.

Performance Summary

Benchmark Performance: Performing above average in 0 out of 3 key metrics

Student Support: Overall faculty-to-student ratio of 12.0:1 (excellent)

Diversity: Faculty diversity exceeds national benchmarks

🏆 What makes our instructors exceptional?

Industry-Certified Professionals

Our instructors hold current certifications and licenses in their respective trades, ensuring students learn the most up-to-date skills and standards.

Hands-On Experience

Faculty members bring years of real-world experience from the field, providing students with practical insights that go beyond textbook learning.

Small Class Focus

Low student-to-instructor ratios ensure personalized attention, individualized feedback, and hands-on guidance for every student.

Continuous Professional Development

Faculty regularly attend industry conferences, update certifications, and participate in ongoing training to stay current with evolving technologies.

🤝 Who supports your success beyond the classroom?

Beyond our expert instructors, a dedicated team of professionals supports your educational journey and career success.

Academic Advisors

Guide your program selection, course planning, and academic progress to ensure you graduate on time and job-ready.

Career Services Team

Provide job placement assistance, resume writing help, interview preparation, and connections to local employers actively hiring.

Financial Aid Counselors

Help you navigate financial aid options, scholarships, payment plans, and budgeting strategies to make education affordable.

Student Success Coaches

Offer tutoring, study skills development, personal counseling, and resources to help you overcome challenges and succeed.

💡 Key Takeaways About Faculty at University of Detroit Mercy

1

The college employs 308 instructional staff members, providing a 12.0:1 student-faculty ratio.

2

The faculty includes 21% faculty of color, reflecting diverse perspectives and industry connections.

3

Women hold 40% of senior faculty positions, indicating balanced leadership representation.

Bottom Line: Quality faculty with industry experience, job security, and diverse backgrounds create a strong learning environment that prepares students for successful careers in the trades. When evaluating schools, consider not just the programs offered, but also the qualifications and stability of the instructional team.

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