Suresh Garimella

BizTUCSONApril 20, 2026

2 minutes read

President
University of Arizona

What opportunities do you see for the University of Arizona in the next several years?

With our guiding strategic imperatives, an experienced leadership team, and a focus on financial health, we have a solid foundation on which to build a bright future for us all. Student success remains our North Star, and we are putting in place new approaches to recruitment, retention, graduation and job placement, while ensuring that every student has access to excellent in-class and experiential learning opportunities. We are focused on key research priorities that build on our strengths and are aligned with state and national priorities: AI-driven Health Innovation, Space Sciences and National Security, Fusion Energy Commercialization, Sustainable Mining and Critical Minerals, and Arid Lands Agriculture and Water. And as Arizona’s land-grant university, we are doubling down on advancing innovation, attracting new companies to the state, and creating a highly talented workforce across all regions of the state.

What issues keep you up at night?

As the leader of one of the preeminent land-grant institutions of this nation, ensuring affordability and excellence of our students’ education, creating opportunities for our researchers and scholars to continue their impactful work, and fulfilling our land-grant mission to our state are the areas that remain top of mind.

Are there any exciting updates you want to highlight?

In January, we launched the Kyl Institute for National Security to provide leadership in this critical area for Arizona and the nation. We signed a partnership with Taiwan’s National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University to establish a Talent and Innovation Hub that will drive economic development for both nations and will be key to expanding the semiconductor manufacturing industry in our state. To support student success, we are expanding our on-campus housing capacity with a new residence hall to strengthen retention, and building sustainable partnerships with community colleges across the state to expand access.

How can The Chamber help you going forward?

Collaboration with industry and economic development organizations is vital to our future and that of the state. Our partnership with the Arizona Commerce Authority to expand our Nanofabrication Core Facility cleanroom will strengthen Arizona’s position as a national leader in semiconductor manufacturing. Together, we will translate discovery into action, retain and grow existing businesses and attract new ones. Telling the U of A story and offering internships and mentorship are other ways the Chamber can contribute to the region’s success.