University of Arizona Names New President Suresh Garimella

Suresh Garimella has been chosen as the next University of Arizona president and will begin on Oct. 1, after the Arizona Board of Regents approved his contract.

“The board is proud to welcome Dr. Garimella to Arizona,” said ABOR Chair Cecilia Mata. “We have high expectations for both the University of Arizona and its new president. He is a tireless champion for students and has the experience, vision and steadfast leadership needed to guide our state’s oldest university into the future.”

Garimella has already hit the ground running, meeting with campus and community members.

“It is an honor to lead the University of Arizona. I believe strongly in the university’s land-grant mission to educate a talented and diverse student body and serve the state of Arizona,” Garimella said. “The U of A’s reputation for world-class research and innovation, academics, athletics and the arts is a result of the incredible work of faculty, staff, students, alumni and friends, and I cannot wait to join the effort.”

The board action follows a comprehensive national search fueled by the work of the UA Presidential Search Advisory Committee and informed by robust community feedback. Over the last five months, the 18-member committee met numerous times to gather feedback from the campus and community and vet all prospects in search of a leader with the qualities and experience needed to lead Arizona’s land-grant institution.  

“Dr. Garimella’s strong emphasis on student success aligns with the University of Arizona community’s priorities,” said Melanie Hingle, UA professor of nutritional sciences and wellness and a member of the search committee. “As a fellow scholar, our new president possesses the vision, experience and skills to tackle our challenges and lead the U of A to new heights of excellence, access and impact.”

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. He most recently served as president of the University of Vermont, and before that, as executive VP for research and partnerships at Purdue University. He is not only a highly cited scholar, researcher and professor of mechanical engineering, but he also helped increase and strengthen the research enterprises at both schools.

Garimella succeeds UA President Dr. Robert C. Robbins, who has led since 2017. Robbins will remain in his role until Garimella begins.