September 3, 2024
As I have greeted new and returning faculty and students in recent weeks, there has been a palpable sense of excitement and renewal. Seeing our students' faces light up as they start this new chapter is a powerful reminder of why we do what we do. And as I've been meeting with faculty leaders in key areas of recruitment and research, including aging, cybersecurity, and AI, I am constantly inspired by the passion and expertise that defines our faculty and learning community.
To our 312 new faculty members, including our 101 tenured or tenure-track faculty and librarians, I offer a warm welcome. Your unique perspectives and experiences are already enriching our campus, and I am thrilled to see the impact you'll make. I am also proud that over half of our new faculty, including visiting faculty, are women, and nearly half identify as faculty of color – a testament to our commitment to building a more inclusive and diverse community. I have had the chance to interact with some of our new faculty already, and I am impressed with all that they're bringing to our campus.
This year, we are also hitting a faculty milestone. We have reached our highest number of tenure and tenure-track faculty members in over a decade. That includes nearly 30 new faculty members recruited as part of the Faculty 100 initiative, along with several of their equally talented partners who joined our faculty as well.
As we continue to grow our faculty in strategic areas, I encourage us all to stay focused on nurturing our core strengths in the arts, humanities, sciences, and business, while exploring interdisciplinary paths that will expand our future success. Indeed, I see amazing opportunities ahead for us to do both -- and leverage our historic leadership in human-centered study and practice toward interdisciplinary discovery that will truly distinguish us from our institutional peers.
You may also have seen that we recently received a $16 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. to supercharge our partnership with the City of Bloomington and The Mill. Led by IU and our community-engaged and entrepreneurial faculty, this investment will fuel innovation, economic growth, and community engagement in the Trades District, creating new opportunities for all of us.
I am also excited to see the impact of our new Research Incentive Plan, which is designed to support and celebrate your research efforts and continue strengthening a culture of innovation and scholarly achievement. The plan includes new and expanded incentives for faculty to pursue top awards and recognitions. Nominations are also open at the university level for IU honors and awards, and I hope you will recommend outstanding colleagues.
Of course, we continue to navigate the implications of Senate Enrolled Act 202. I understand the concerns many faculty have expressed, and I look forward to collaborating with the Bloomington Faculty Council to ensure that any policies and procedures implemented to comply with the law utilize our existing faculty governance structures.
Finally, in beginning this new academic year, I want to express my gratitude for all that you do. Your dedication, expertise, and passion are what make this campus a place of extraordinary discovery and growth. So, while there will always be hurdles to overcome and differences in opinion to resolve, let us embrace this new year with enthusiasm and optimism, and continue making IU Bloomington a place where everyone can thrive.
Thank you again for all that you do. I look forward to a productive and fulfilling year ahead.
