ASU’s rival Arizona will have a new president

TUCSON, Ariz. — ASU rival Arizona is undergoing significant administrative changes very soon. University of Arizona President Robert Robbins has announced his resignation. This announcement comes weeks after agreeing to a pay cut.

He will work through the remainder of his contract but will step down if Arizona hires a new president before then.

The University of Arizona will have a change in leadership following the financial crisis

Robbins’ decision to step down comes while he’s been at the center of a financial crisis. Arizona is trying to dig out of a $177 million budget shortfall due to a miscalculation of cash reserves.

This change doesn’t come as a surprise to many as Arizona’s budget miscalculation has made national headlines over the last several months.

Robbins made a lengthy statement following his public resignation. The full statement is below.

President Robert Robbins issues statement following resignation

“Dear Students and Colleagues,

After significant consideration and personal contemplation, I informed the Arizona Board of Regents this morning that I will step down as President of the University of Arizona after fulfilling the terms of my current contract. Should ABOR select a new President who is prepared to start sooner than the end date of my contract, I will ensure a smooth transition to my successor and step aside earlier.

Although this is a difficult decision, it is the right decision for me and for the university that I love so dearly. It has been a true honor to lead the University of Arizona for so many years, particularly during a time of transformational change in higher education and with challenges in the world around us. I am proud of the many advancements we made together in elevating the institution by enhancing the student experience; by attracting and retaining world-class faculty and staff; by increasing our research funding and philanthropy; by achieving significant milestones in science, astronomy and medicine, among many other disciplines; by engaging our indigenous tribes and rural communities; and by improving the lives of Arizona residents and the global community.

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.

It is time to begin to think about what is next for the University, and I will continue to serve the institution and work with ABOR to ensure a smooth transition at the appropriate time. I am grateful to the Regents for their ongoing support of our work, and I am confident that the University of Arizona will be in great hands.

Sincerely,

Robert C. Robbins, M.D.

President
The University of Arizona

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