IU President Michael McRobbie announced during the Board of Trustees meeting Friday that he is retiring June 30, 2021. McRobbie, IU’s 18th president, has been in his position since 2007.
He will continue to serve as president through the year, saying in a university-wide email that he is committed to helping overcome the challenges presented by the coronavirus pandemic.
McRobbie started working at IU in 1997 as the first vice president for information technology and chief information officer. In 2003, he took over as vice president for research and in 2006 was named interim provost and vice president for academic affairs.
In the email, McRobbie acknowledged his pride in his work with IU’s bicentennial and pointed to the For All: The Indiana University Bicentennial Campaign and the Bicentennial Strategic Plan. During his tenure he also oversaw the renovation of many major campus buildings, the 2012 creation of the IU Online program, growing international engagement and study abroad programs among other efforts, according to an IU press release.
"I am immensely proud of all that has been accomplished over the period I have been president," McRobbie said in the press release. "All the change and effort has, I believe, consolidated and elevated IU's position as one of America's premier and leading research universities.”
Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb praised McRobbie in a Friday Twitter thread.
The board was informed of his retirement several months ago and approved the formation of a search committee for his replacement during Friday's meeting.
Trustees Harry Gonso and Melanie Walker will serve as co-chairs in the search.
