The Arizona Board of Regents today approved Suresh Garimella's contract to serve as the next University of Arizona president. 

Garimella will join the Wildcat family on Oct. 1.

"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 while he was on campus earlier this month.

"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. With gratitude to the Arizona Board of Regents and Presidential Search Advisory Committee, I am proud to be a Wildcat."

The board action follows a comprehensive national search fueled by the work of the U of A 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, U of A professor of nutritional sciences and wellness and a member of the Presidential Search Advisory 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 succeeds President Robert C. Robbins, who has led the university since 2017. Robbins will remain in his role until Garimella begins.