Welcome Back Message from President Pamela Whitten

Happy New Year, and welcome back to what promises to be one of Indiana University’s best semesters yet—a semester that brings with it new hope, optimism, and momentum. 

We begin 2024 with a clear track record of accomplishment. The months to come will feature accelerating progress toward the goals of our IU 2030 strategic plan, final preparation for the transition to IU Indianapolis, the arrival of countless visitors to our campuses for April’s total solar eclipse, and the culmination of the school year at spring commencement for more than 20,000  graduates.

Accelerating student success

This year, our focus on student success will shape two significant initiatives designed to improve on-time degree completion and academic success. First, in the fall we will launch a comprehensive online student success platform that will provide students with a single point of access to chart their own IU journey, track their academic progress, and access personalized support.

Second, drawing on a generous grant from the Indiana Commission for Higher Education, the expanded ranks of IU’s student success coaches will ensure that our growing number of 21st Century Scholars receive the one-to-one guidance, mentorship, and support they need to shape their IU experience—on each of our campuses and through IU Online. 

Advancing research excellence

With investments that rival the size of those made by other leading public research universities around the nation, we will also continue to advance our leadership in microelectronics and biosciences research. A renewed emphasis on faculty recruitment will enable us to attract and retain thought leaders and renowned researchers who are tackling some of the biggest challenges in business, cybersecurity, technology, and other key parts of society.

Through research and talent initiatives with industry partners across Indiana, we will also strengthen our collaboration with some of the state’s largest employers. Meanwhile, our commitment to pushing the boundaries of creative and artistic discoveries will continue to set us apart in Indiana and nationally, helping our students turn their passions into professions and sharing our world-renowned arts and cultural opportunities with the people of Indiana and beyond.

Serving communities statewide through IU’s regional campuses

IU’s regional campuses have long provided an accessible and affordable path to a four-year degree in Indiana, while also serving as major drivers of regional social and economic vitality. In 2024, every regional campus will expand partnerships with local businesses and industries to bolster career opportunities and strengthen the career readiness of the Hoosier workforce. Additionally, the expansion of our pioneering Groups Scholars Program to each of IU’s regional campuses will bolster IU’s efforts to support first-generation and under-represented students.   

Creating a future of innovation

Through our just-launched IU Innovates initiative, IU is already providing more unified and stronger support for student and faculty entrepreneurs, while joining forces with the Shoemaker Innovation Center—the dedicated entrepreneurship center within the Luddy School of Informatics, Computing, and Engineering. The year ahead promises bold goals and even stronger growth as IU Innovates aims to incubate at least 20 new student-led startups in just the first few months of the spring semester.

Officially transitioning to IU Indianapolis

Lastly, final preparations for our transition from IUPUI to IU Indianapolis on July 1 are well underway as we continue to build momentum around our vision to create one of the nation’s preeminent urban research universities. Next month, we will welcome Dr. Latha Ramchand as the inaugural chancellor of IU Indianapolis, marking the latest chapter in over a century of IU’s commitment to central Indiana. 

IU is a true beacon of opportunity for our students and for the communities we serve. I have no doubt that the year ahead will be one of our most successful as we expand the reach and scale of our recent progress and embrace—with confidence, conviction, and optimism—the opportunity to address some of society’s most pressing challenges, today. 

Together in 2024, let’s Bring On Tomorrow.

Pamela Whitten

President
Indiana University