New University of Arizona president starting Oct. 1

(The Center Square) – The incoming president at the University of Arizona will begin his new role on Oct. 1.

Suresh Garimella was the only candidate that interviewed for the position to lead the large public university in Tucson, and he currently works as the president of the University of Vermont. Earlier this month, he was selected by the Arizona Board of Regents by a unanimous vote.

“The board is proud to welcome Dr. Garimella to Arizona,” ABOR Chair Cecilia Mata said in a statement. “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.”

Dr. Robert C. Robbins is leaving the position after a significant budget shortfall prompted both his exit, ABOR member Fred DuVal leaving his role as chair, and John Arnold now serving at the Chief Financial Officer for the university. Inside Higher Ed reported that major cuts have been able to get the deficit down to $52 million, down from $162 million.

“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,” said Dr. Garimella, adding that he's "proud to be a Wildcat."

Notably, the start date comes well before Robbins' contract expiration in 2026, as the outgoing president said in his resignation letter he said he would leave either at the end of his term or when a replacement was found.

"The past 18 months certainly have been difficult for our University, but I am confident that our passion and commitment for doing what is right, as well as our thorough and thoughtful analysis to address our ongoing challenges, will bring our institution greater stability in short order," he wrote in April.

His contract goes until Sept. 30, 2027, and his base salary will be $810,000 a year, along with a $145,000 in a pension, provided housing and a $10,000 "car allowance.

By comparison, Arizona State University President Michael Crow makes roughly $834,000 in base salary and Northern Arizona University President José Luis Cruz Rivera makes over $594,000, not including bonuses and other benefits, according to the Arizona Republic .

As of Nov. 2023, Garimella was making $509,331 in base salary at the University of Vermont, according to school records .