Edward J. Bagale, Vice Chancellor for Government Relations at The University of Michigan-Dearborn, has served as the University’s chief government relations officer since 1985. He represents the University to public agencies and elected officials in Lansing, Washington, D.C., and local governmental units and agencies throughout Southeastern Michigan.

With approximately forty years of advocacy work in higher education, Mr. Bagale has served as Director of Admissions at The University of Michigan-Dearborn and as Associate Director of Admissions & Scholarships at Oakland University.

He has spoken at numerous national conferences on topics involving the ramifications of term limits, improved marketing, and productivity models for regional universities. Mr. Bagale received national recognition for his innovative incentive- and merit-based scholarship programs. Most recently, he has provided leadership to collaborative efforts to establish an Automobile National Heritage Area and promote sustainable development throughout the Detroit Metropolitan Area.

From 1983-84, Mr. Bagale served as district administrator for Congressman Sander Levin.

Mr. Bagale serves as a consultant and special assistant to the president of The Henry Ford, where he has worked to build partnerships among the museum community and various sectors of the education community, including inner-city schools and higher education.

Mr. Bagale serves on the boards of directors of:

• The Dearborn Community Fund,
• ACCESS (Arab Community Center for Economic and Social Services),
• American Arab Chamber of Commerce,
• MotorCities/Automobile National Heritage Area Partnership,
• SEMCOG - Ann Arbor to Downtown Detroit Rapid Transit Steering Committee, and
• The Michigan Humanities Council.

He is Chair of the Henry Ford Hospital and Health Network Board of Trustees, 2010-2013, and co-chair of the Rouge River Gateway Partnership. As well as a Honorary Member of the Golden Key International Honour Society.

Mr. Bagale holds a Bachelor of Arts in economics and management from Oakland University and a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Detroit.