Members of the Board of Regents praised President Mark Schlissel for his leadership as the University of Michigan heads into its third century as one of the world’s leading research universities.

Reporting Thursday on their annual review of the president, regents said they wanted to “celebrate not only the greatness of our institution, but of its leadership” in this bicentennial year of the university. U-M was established in 1817 in Detroit.

Regent Andrew Richner, board vice chair, introduced the annual evaluation by saying: “We think you are doing a great job.”

Richner cited high academic rankings, a record number of applications for admission, a focus on affordability, a successful fundraising campaign, a commitment to diversity and the expansion of Michigan Medicine as among the president’s accomplishments in the previous year.

“We are very grateful for your service,” said Richner, who also introduced a 3.5 percent salary increase for the president, which was unanimously approved. His new base salary will be $823,523, effective Sept. 1.

In more detailed written remarks, regents called Schlissel a “well-respected leader throughout the academy, he is putting us on a plane with the great private research universities with far more financial resources. In some important rankings, we are first among the public universities.”

Regent Ronald Weiser praised the strong leadership team that has helped the president accomplish his objectives.

“We want to acknowledge the personal characteristics that contribute to President Schlissel’s success: He is articulate, intelligent and a man of integrity and humility. In sum, the Board of Regents would like to commend and appropriately recognize the job President Schlissel has performed in his third year,” the board’s statement concludes.

Schlissel thanked the board for its constructive feedback and confidence. “This wouldn’t be the great university that it is without a long-term partnership with the executive leadership and the board,” the president said.