July 29, 2021
Dear Colleagues and Students,
In case you have not yet heard, the university has announced my plans to retire as of March 1, 2022. I have dedicated 36 years—well over half of my life and my entire career—to Indiana University. I have had the honor and pleasure of serving side by side with faculty and staff for more than three decades and want to thank you for your hard work, support, and friendship. I've also had the honor of seeing students achieve their college dreams.
One of the most exciting times for me is the beginning of the semester when students fill the hallways, classrooms, and campus as a whole. You bring life to our campus with your voices, your laughter, and your friendships, and this has been an inspiration to me throughout my entire career. Of course, as important as the semester start has been, I can't describe to you the feeling of happiness and pride that comes at commencement when I see thousands of students in cap and gown getting ready to graduate.
As I depart, I look forward to spending time with my family, especially my wife Niloo, my sons, and—yes—my dog. I know I will deeply miss my IUPUI family, but I am also certain that this campus, including IUPUC and IU Fort Wayne, are in capable hands that will help us continue the great progress we have been making, even during the pandemic. In the coming months, members of my Cabinet will be working with colleagues and student leaders across campus to create opportunities for us to engage prior to my departure next March.
Recent months, in particular, have reinforced the positive and collaborative spirit of our campus I have come to know and love as we have worked together to do our best work in the hardest of times. I want to thank you especially for all that you have done as we have faced one of the greatest public health challenges of our generation. We are coming out the other side more resilient and more determined than ever to rebuild our campus community.
I hope you have had or will have the opportunity to take a break over the summer to recharge so that you can help us come back to campus stronger and better than ever this fall. Let's make this a wonderful year and one to remember always!
Sincerely,
Nasser H. Paydar
Chancellor