Tucson Standard

As the next president of the University of Arizona, Suresh Garimella has emphasized a focus on students above all else.

"Throughout my career, I think you'll see I've had one mission as my primary driving force, and that is to serve our students," Garimella said Friday during a news conference after he was appointed the 23rd U of A president by the Arizona Board of Regents.

"Students are the heartbeat of any university ... so, you will see me focused on students much more than anything else," he added.

The Arizona Board of Regents voted unanimously Friday to appoint Garimella as the university's next president. Since 2019, he has served as the 27th president of the University of Vermont (UVM), which, like the University of Arizona, is a land-grant university.

"I certainly understand the responsibility – the awesome responsibility – of leading a land-grant university, and to me, the primary thing it means is that we have to provide access to a world-class education to our students and make it as affordable and accessible as possible," he said. "So that students from Southern Arizona, from Tucson, from all states, all nations and beyond can benefit from the education we offer."

As UVM president, Garimella prioritized access and affordability for students. The university froze tuition rates for all students during his first five years while attracting record numbers of undergraduate applications and enrolling its most diverse and talented undergraduate class in history.

A professor of mechanical engineering, Garimella also continued teaching and mentoring students during his UVM presidency. He annually led an undergraduate seminar class in civil discourse and supervised Ph.D. students. He has mentored over 90 graduate students and 50 post-doctoral scholars; 29 went on to accept prestigious faculty positions worldwide.

Garimella expressed his belief in "the power and promise of research" while recognizing U of A's position as a global research leader.

"The research at a university is done by our faculty, staff, graduate students, postdocs and undergraduates," he said. "They are critical parts of this vibrant campus community."

During his tenure at UVM, Garimella nearly doubled the university's research enterprise. He is a highly cited researcher with significant contributions in electronics thermal management and energy efficiency at micro- and nano-scales. He has co-authored over 625 research publications and holds 16 issued patents. Additionally, he has been elected Fellow of several prestigious organizations including the National Academy of Inventors.

Garimella serves on multiple advisory boards including Sandia National Laboratories' research advisory board. His academic credentials include a Ph.D. from UC Berkeley, a master's degree from The Ohio State University, and a bachelor's degree from IIT Madras.

Prior to UVM, Garimella was executive vice president for research at Purdue University where he oversaw Discovery Park—facilities focused on global challenges related to health sciences among others.

Garimella aims to bring stability to U of A amidst recent financial challenges and leadership transitions.

"Things will settle soon," he stated while emphasizing teamwork as key to success.

He plans to seek input from employee groups, student governance bodies along with alumni donors among others.

"I'm truly looking forward to joining this wonderful community that offers every aspect an education could possibly imagine," he remarked about diverse campus offerings ranging from athletics arts programs

Following Friday’s news conference Desiree Reed Francois presented him football jersey marking first year tenure

ABOR’s decision came after national search involving dozens meetings over last five months

“Today historic day usher new era discovery institution under Dr.Garimella,” ABOR Chair Cecilia Mata noted highlighting lifetime commitment higher education unique ability innovate honor traditions commitment student development

18-member search committee included regents faculty staff student community business leaders feedback gathered through listening sessions town halls surveys involving over 4200 participants

Conversations sent clear message great interest moving forward achieving big things according Garimella “I thrive ambition institutional ambition” thanking those involved process

Garimellas bio CV support statements available ABOR website start date expected later fall semester beginning Aug26 succeeding President Robert C Robbins who led since2017 overseeing significant improvements retention success increased annual research expenditures $955 million spearheaded successful fundraising campaign nearly $2.3 billion

“I join welcoming Dr.Garimellato Tucson” Robbins said noting experience public university president esteemed professor researcher published author beneficial new role offering assistance transition “UofA good hands years come”