University of Arizona formally installs new president Suresh Garimella

TUCSON, AZ (AZFamily) — The University of Arizona officially welcomed the school’s 23rd president, Suresh V. Garimella, on Tuesday.

Garimella, a distinguished professor in mechanical and aerospace engineering, officially assumed the position on Oct. 1, 2024.

His installation was at 1 p.m. at Old Main, followed by a formal procession and ceremony at Centennial Hall.

The Pride of Arizona marching band and the UofA ROTC performed. Ron Marx, interim senior vice president for academic affairs and provost, shared remarks with the attendees.

In August, students told Arizona’s Family sister station 13 News their expectations were high.

“Students are not being heard and that’s all they need is to be heard by a president,” undergraduate Leticia Maoudonodji said. “So, I’m hoping that this new president will be open-minded and allow students to speak their minds because that’s how we create the communities between each other.”

“It’s very simple what a university should be focused on, and that’s what I’ve always thought,” Garimella told 13 News. “We’re here because we care about the success of our students.”

Along with building up the student body, another goal is strengthening the school’s reputation for research.

“I understand the University of Arizona was established before Arizona became a state, and so we have a long history of great research and I will do all I can to further move us along that trajectory,” he said.

Garimella’s contract runs from through September 2027. Click/tap here for more details about his contract.

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