ENVISIONING A BOLD FUTURE

After an extensive search by the board, the University of Arizona’s 22nd President, Robert C. Robbins, M.D., took office on June 1, 2017.

Among accomplishments of President Robbins’ first year are a $30 million endowment from Edward P. Bass to enable Biosphere 2 to address critical questions in food, water and energy security; meeting federal criteria as a Hispanic Serving Institution; UA and Banner Health receiving the largest National Institutes of Health award in Arizona history for the All of Us Research Program; and making strategic hires to elevate health sciences and the university’s brand with the appointments of Michael Dake as senior vice president of Health Sciences and Steve Moore as senior vice president of Marketing and Communications.

President Robbins has committed the UA to a new strategic plan and a broad and inclusive planning process. He has initiated the development of the comprehensive and measurable plan, driven by the UA’s core values, its unique location in Arizona, by strengths, and by opportunities for differentiation from other institutions in the Southwest. President Robbins cites the UA’s standing as a top-tier research university and strengths in the arts and humanities, science and technology, interdisciplinary study and student engagement as building blocks for the university’s next phase.

Outlined in the UA’s Operational and Financial Review, the UA is engaging key stakeholders and offering opportunities for indirect engagement regarding the new strategic plan. Through President Robbins’ leadership, discussions regarding the plan include faculty, students, administrative leadership, parents, alumni, employers and community members.

President Robbins has committed to delivering the strategic plan to the board in November 2018.