Lone UA Presidential Nominee Faces Regents Interview This Friday

The University of Arizona is on the cusp of naming its next president. The Arizona Board of Regents (ABOR) announced on Thursday that they will conduct an interview with their singular candidate, Suresh Garimella, the current president of the University of Vermont (UVM).

This significant development comes after an 18-person committee embarked on a meticulous search to find a successor to the outgoing UA President Robert C. Robbins. Robbins declared in April his decision to step down, paving the way for new leadership.

Garimella, who hails from central India and holds a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering from the University of California, Berkeley, took the helm at UVM in 2019. Under his leadership, UVM aimed to achieve R1 status, emphasizing its research priorities. During his tenure, the university admitted its largest first-year class and significantly boosted its research funding.

ABOR praised Garimella for his “bold vision and thoughtful financial discipline,” noting his success in doubling UVM’s research efforts and enhancing state and community relationships. Previously, Garimella served as executive vice president of research and partnerships at Purdue University.

During a virtual meeting on Friday, ABOR will evaluate Garimella for the role of UA’s 23rd president. ABOR Chair Cecilia Mata expressed confidence in Garimella’s credentials, highlighting his potential to steer the University of Arizona toward a new era of excellence.

Notably, this potential transition follows a period of turbulence under Robbins’ leadership, marked by financial crises and controversies. Robbins faced severe backlash from both faculty and state leaders due to budgetary miscalculations and governance issues. His downfall was accelerated by a series of systemic failures, including the mishandling of threats that culminated in the tragic shooting of Prof. Thomas Meixner in 2022. The incident severely damaged Robbins’ reputation, leading to a vote of “no confidence” from the Faculty Senate.

Adam White, a spokesperson for UVM, confirmed Garimella’s candidacy for the UA presidency, recognizing the University of Arizona as a prominent public institution.

Robbins’ base salary was $816,008, though he requested and received a reduction in March. In contrast, Garimella’s salary at UVM was reported to be $509,331 as of November.

The UA’s ongoing financial struggles formed a significant part of Robbins’ tenure. Last November, then-Chief Financial Officer Lisa Rulney revealed a $240 million shortfall, prompting draconian budget cuts. Despite attempts to rectify the deficit, Robbins’ administration was unable to stave off criticism and eventual leadership changes.

As ABOR narrows its search to a single candidate, questions about the transparency of the selection process linger. This week’s special meeting did not disclose details regarding Garimella’s interview, raising concerns about openness.

Chad Sampson’s appointment as ABOR’s executive director, replacing John Arnold amidst UA’s financial turmoil, reflects broader institutional shifts. Arnold now serves as UA’s chief operating officer, a role created to manage financial stabilization efforts.

The decision to appoint Garimella, if finalized, signals a new chapter for the University of Arizona as it seeks to rebound from recent challenges. ABOR’s comprehensive search involved extensive community feedback, including 19 listening sessions and three public town halls, reflecting the community’s high stakes in UA’s future.

The upcoming interview on Friday will be a critical step in determining whether Garimella’s vision aligns with UA’s aspirations. His record of leadership at UVM offers a promising outlook for the University of Arizona, poised for transformation under new stewardship.