From the Provost

August 20, 2024

As we welcome our IU Bloomington faculty, staff, and students back to campus, I am filled with the promise and excitement of a new year but also the humility of continued learning and growth. 

Our campus and world have been through a lot together in recent months, and while I believe we are emerging stronger, we must continue to heal and find ways to come together in shared purpose. That's what makes this moment so precious. We have seen the uncertainty and the doubts we’ve faced, but also the resilience and the compassion that define us. 

As we begin this new academic year, whatever may come, I am assured that together we will prioritize what truly matters – our students, our research and creativity, and our impact. 

Entering the second year of our 2030 strategic plan, I am so proud of what we have accomplished so far. We have made significant strides in expanding support for student success, from academic advising to mental health resources. We have fostered interdisciplinary innovation and collaboration, launching new degree programs, research initiatives, and regional partnerships that showcase our commitment to excellence. And we have done it all with a vision for the betterment of Bloomington and the communities we serve. Notably, we have achieved: 

• Creating eight new academic programs (five for undergraduates) in high-demand areas, along with 42 new accelerated master’s programs, with numerous more under development 
• Growing the tenured and tenure-track faculty by more than 50 positions over two years to our highest total TT faculty in more than a decade 
• Reimagining academic advising, including required advising each semester for undergraduates   
• Increasing research expenditure to $164 million, a 30% gain over 2021, and increasing proposal requests for future grant funding by more than $75 million in one year
• Advancing a $45 million, 90,000+ square foot research lab renovation project that will enable us to significantly expand research capabilities 
• Growing annual fundraising for the campus by 36% over 2022, raising more than $165 million

But I know we're only getting started. We still have many opportunities to seize. In the coming months, we will advance: 

• Additional new faculty hires that bring fresh perspectives and expertise to our community in key areas of interdisciplinary growth 
• New and expanded degree programs that prepare our students for an ever-changing world 
• Enhanced support for student belonging and academic success, including during the crucial first year, because every student deserves to thrive 
• A warm welcome to a new chancellor, who will join us at an exciting time in our journey 
• In accordance with SEA 202, a renewed commitment to upholding academic freedom and intellectual diversity 

As we pursue our bright future ahead, we depend on each other, now more than ever. With the challenges higher education continues to face, together we must embrace our differences and collective strengths to write the next chapter in IU Bloomington's storied history.  

Today I leave us with a challenge: Let's commit to being present, engaged, and fully open to the possibilities that lie ahead. Let's commit to realizing an IUB community that's worthy of our highest aspirations – a home of creativity, discovery, and togetherness. 

I am excited to see what we will achieve together this year. As always, thank you for all that you do, and let's make this year all it can be.