Suresh Garimella to be 23rd University of Arizona President

This morning, the Arizona Board of Regents proudly appointed Suresh Garimella as the 23rd president of the University of Arizona following the candidate’s interview and a unanimous board vote.

This announcement concludes a comprehensive national search fueled by the work of the U of A Presidential Search Advisory Committee. Over the last five months, an 18-member search committee met dozens of times to gather feedback from the campus community and vet all prospects in search of a leader who would match the qualities and experience needed to lead Arizona’s land-grant institution. The search committee members expressed support for Dr. Garimella.

Dr. Garimella is currently the 27th president of the University of Vermont (UVM). Previously he served as executive vice president for research and partnerships at Purdue University. He is celebrated in higher education for his innovative leadership, his profound commitment to the land-grant mission, and an exceptional record of putting students first. During his time as president at UVM, Dr. Garimella stabilized tuition and spearheaded a scholarship program similar to the Arizona Promise Program, providing a tuition-free education for lower-income Vermont students.

In a video message to the U of A community, Dr. Garimella shared that he is honored and humbled to have been chosen to serve as the next president of the University of Arizona.

Dr. Garimella succeeds President Robert C. Robbins, who has led the university since 2017. President Robbins has driven significant improvement in student retention and success, has overseen an increase in annual research expenditures to $955 million and has spearheaded the most successful fundraising campaign in the history of the U of A at nearly $2.3 billion.

Dr. Garimella will meet with shared governance group representatives throughout the day. The board will work with Dr. Garimella to finalize his employment contract and determine a start date. President Robbins will remain in his role until Dr. Garimella begins, which will likely be later this fall.

President Designate Suresh Garimella and Arizona Board of Regents and U of A Presidential Search Advisory Committee members will hold a press conference at 2:15 p.m. today. The press conference will be available via livestream and posted on the board’s YouTube channel in the following days. You may also join live ASL interpreting alongside the livestream.

Additional Information

•    Learn more about Dr. Garimella.
•    Statements of support from search committee members.
•    Presidential Search community feedback.
•    Arizona Board of Regents YouTube channel.

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