Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels Named New President Of Purdue University

Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels has officially been named as the new President of Purdue University, effective January 2013, when his term concludes.

Yahoo News reports that the Governor has been hailed as a visionary who can bring innovation to the university, despite his lack of academic credentials. Thursday’s confirmation also soundly answered rumors that he could be the GOP nominee for vice president (he cannot do both).

The former white House budget director and Eli Lilly executive will become the university’s 12th president after a unanimous vote by the school’s Board of Trustees, eight of which Daniels appointed. According to Yahoo News, one trustee did not vote, because they were out of the country.

The Washington Post reports that Daniels will begin his new job at Purdue University in January, when a new governor is sworn in. Until then, he has promised to not stump for Republicans, even Romney. Daniels stated that, “Effective immediately, I will recuse myself from any partisan political activities or commentary.”

The Atlanta Journal Constitution reports that Gov. Mitch Daniels understands people who are questioning his credentials and stated that he hopes to prove he is worthy of the job. He has stated he will be relying on provost Timothy Sands and others to help him. Sands is set to be the interim president until Daniels takes the office in January. Daniels stated, following the appointment that:

“I do think there are some unprecedented challenges to higher ed, and I see a real opportunity for Purdue to manage whatever evolution is coming better than most. My single highest objective, and I’m going to start working on that right away, is to build personal relationships and better understanding.”

The Indy Star reports that the future Purdue University President was quick to commend the university and its importance to Indiana by saying, “No institution of any kind means more to Indiana today or tomorrow as Purdue University.”

What do you think of Governor Mitch Daniels’ appointment as Purdue University’s next President?

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