Eugene Arden
About this Interview
Eugene “Gene” Arden (b. 1923, d. 2011) was the first chief academic officer (now known as the vice chancellor for academic affairs) at the University of Michigan-Dearborn. Arden served in this capacity from 1972 to 1992. Prior to his arrival at Dearborn, Arden was the dean of faculty at Long Island University, where he had played a vital role in expanding the campus.
Arden was interviewed by Elton Higgs on March 27, 2000. Throughout his 20 year career at UMD, Arden experienced many major changes on campus. Therefore, this interview provides valuable insights into administrative perspectives regarding the campus’s physical growth (including the infamous modules), increases in student enrollments, challenges with curriculum creation, and faculty and student diversity recruitment efforts. Since Arden worked with three chancellors and an interim chancellor, his interview also illuminates different priorities and relationship dynamics between high-level administrators, faculty, and students.
The interview also demonstrates Arden’s passion and dedication to the Dearborn campus’s students, particularly those who had not been well-served by traditional education structures.
Eugene Arden (left) with his wife, Sandra Arden (right), at his retirement party in 1990.