Tucson Standard

The Arizona Board of Regents has appointed Suresh Garimella as the 23rd president of the University of Arizona.

The unanimous board vote follows a comprehensive national search fueled by the work of the U of A Presidential Search Advisory Committee and informed by robust community feedback. Garimella is currently the 27th president of the University of Vermont. Previously, he served as executive vice president for research and partnerships at Purdue University.

"I am honored to be chosen by the board as the next president of the University of Arizona," Garimella said. "I have long admired the U of A and its stature in the state of Arizona and far beyond. The institution demonstrates the best qualities of a land-grant university with exceptional leadership in research and health sciences, highly acclaimed faculty and staff, and a diverse student population comprised of the best and brightest from around the world. There are tremendous opportunities in front of us, and I look forward to collaborating with U of A students, faculty, staff and alumni to build upon our strengths as an institution and continue to lead in excellence here in Tucson and around the world."

Garimella and search committee members will speak at a news conference at 2:15 p.m. Friday in the Student Union Memorial Center South Ballroom. The event will be streamed live and posted on the board's YouTube channel in the following days. Members of the media who wish to attend and ask questions in person or virtually should email abormediarelations@azregents.edu.

Garimella 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 of the University of Vermont, Garimella stabilized tuition and spearheaded a scholarship program similar to the Arizona Promise Program, providing a tuition-free education for lower-income Vermont students.

"Dr. Garimella is student-focused and considers himself first and foremost a faculty member. With a 35-year career in higher education, Suresh is engaging, a great listener and a collaborative leader," said ABOR Chair Cecilia Mata. "Wildcats are part of our state's DNA, and Dr. Garimella has shown he is the right leader at the right time to heal and grow Arizona's land-grant university."

Garimella is not only a highly cited scholar, researcher, and professor of mechanical engineering but also helped increase and strengthen the research enterprises of both UVM and Purdue University. He has a strong financial management background, helped build both universities' online education footprints, and worked to diversify funding sources without increasing tuition. Additionally, he is a member of the National Science Board and served with the U.S. Department of State as both a Jefferson Science Fellow and a Senior Fellow in the Energy and Climate Partnership of the Americas.

Over five months, an 18-member search committee met dozens of times to gather feedback from campus members regarding prospects for leading Arizona's land-grant institution.

"One exciting part was seeing quality leaders interested in becoming our next president," said Cindy Rankin, associate professor of physiology. "Dr. Garimella stood out among prospects with his temperament experience unifying our campus while capitalizing on our uniqueness."

The board will work with Garimella to finalize his employment contract determining his start date succeeding President Robert C. Robbins who led since 2017 driving significant improvements including increased annual research expenditures reaching $955 million along with successful fundraising nearing $2.3 billion.

"I join welcoming Dr.Garimella," Robbins stated noting experience fitting well transitioning ensuring continued success."Robbins remains until Garimella begins likely later this fall meeting campus community Friday Saturday."

Garimella earned his Ph.D.from UC Berkeley master's degree Ohio State bachelor's IIT Madras.His bio CV statements support available ABOR website.The Arizona Board oversees public universities including ASU NAU UA established 1885.Land-grant Hispanic-Serving Institution Research top 20 ranking $955 million annual expenditures benefiting state estimated economic impact $4.billion annually.