University of Arizona stakeholders express their excitement for Dr. Suresh Garimella

Faculty, staff and community members within the University of Arizona sounded off with resounding enthusiasm at the naming of Dr. Suresh Garimella as the candidate for the position of the 23rd president of the U of A. 

"It is wonderful to see Dr. Garimella emerge from an outstanding pool of academic leaders. He is a top scholar and brings a wealth of experience to help lead the University of Arizona forward at an exciting time, where our land-grant mission is key and where our innovative faculty are ready to step up to the grand challenges facing our nation. The committee brought many perspectives to the search process and coalesced around an outstanding candidate. As dean of engineering, I also look forward to welcoming Dr. Garimella to his new academic home." 
- David Hahn, dean of the College of Engineering and member of the Academic Deans' Council

"He has really demonstrated his ability to navigate some challenges, everything from COVID budgetary challenges, political challenges, but really in a way that has been putting students at the center, the needs of the community, diverse perspectives and individuals, as well as the ability to grow funds and research capacity. And this is very much where we also wish to go as a university. I think his experience positions him well to lead us from where we are now to what we can be even more so in the future." 
- Jenny Lee, vice president of Arizona International, dean of International Education and member of the Academic Deans' Council

"The Presidential Search Advisory Committee conducted an extensive and transparent search that generated over 4,000 comments from students, faculty, staff, alums and community members to make sure that every voice was heard and considered in the selection process. Dr. Suresh Garimella has the qualifications and experience needed to engage the campus community and advance our land-grant mission. I am excited for ABOR to interview a candidate of his caliber. As a search committee member, I am proud to recommend him and believe he will be an outstanding president of the University of Arizona." 
- Christina Rocha, manager of the Research, Innovation and Impact Business Center and Staff Council representative to the Faculty Senate

"It has been a joy to represent the U of A during the search for our next president, and I'm delighted by the collaboration and consideration of ABOR and my colleagues on the search committee. We ended with a deep pool of amazing prospects, and l'm so pleased Dr. Garimella has accepted an interview with ABOR. As a sitting president of a fellow land grant university and eminent scholar, his interest in this job means that he sees the potential and strength of this multicultural powerhouse in the desert that is the University of Arizona." 
- Joellen Russell, distinguished professor of geology, faculty Senator and serves on the Honors Faculty Advisory Council

"Everything that the community wanted, he brings to the table. He's someone I think the entire committee believes is the right person to move us toward the future. He is someone with a clear vision, able to articulate it well, speak to the opportunities and the challenges of an institution like we have. This is someone who can take us forward, and help us to achieve all we want to achieve." 
- Caleb Simmons, professor of Religious Studies, faculty senator, Committee of Eleven member and executive director of Online Education