During his tenure as chancellor of IUPUI and executive vice president of Indiana University (2015-2022), Nasser H. Paydar brought a vision for collaborative, inclusive, and transparent leadership. Such an approach reflects the spirit of partnership that characterizes IUPUI and was especially vital in strategic planning efforts as well as the campus’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Tribute to Chancellor Paydar and collaborative leadership
Working closely with faculty, staff, and students, Paydar steadily advanced IUPUI’s three strategic priorities focused on student success, research, and engagement. He paid particularly close attention to reinforcing IUPUI’s deep and long-standing commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. The chancellor is the first to acknowledge that his success reflected the partnership of hundreds, if not thousands, of others who have supported him and the campus over the course of many years.
Dedication to student success
From the beginning of his tenure as chancellor, Paydar connected with students in as many ways as possible. He was the first chancellor in the country to use Twitter, created Chat with the Chancellor, and later established the Chancellor’s Student Advisory Board, all in order to facilitate dialogue and give students a voice on campus. He met regularly with student government leaders and spoke at countless student events. Most important, he worked to ensure that IUPUI students have ways to expand their education and work towards their degrees.
47,736Number of degrees awarded during Paydar's tenure
44New academic degrees established between 2015 and 2022
#21Ranking in service learning by U.S. News & World Report
Advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion
Throughout his tenure at IUPUI, Chancellor Paydar ensured that diversity, equity, and inclusion remain at the forefront of decision making.
In one of his first acts as chancellor, Paydar convened taskforces focused on recruiting and retaining African-American and LatinX students. He oversaw the creation of the LGBTQ+ Center, convened the Action Committee to recommend steps to eradicate systemic racism on campus, and invested in the expansion of implicit bias training. He also worked with Executive Vice Chancellor Kathy Johnson and faculty governance leaders to develop a diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) track for faculty promotion and tenure, among the first such DEI promotion and tenure pathways in the nation.
4xincrease in graduation rates among African-American students
600%increase in need-based aid
40%of beginner students in Indianapolis are students of Color
2016established the LGBTQ+ Center
Ten-Timewinner of the Higher Education Excellence in Diversity Award from Insight into Diversity
#4best employer for diversity in Indiana by Forbes Magazine
Nasser H. Paydar Chancellor’s Inclusive Excellence Scholarship
The Nasser H. Paydar Chancellor’s Inclusive Excellence Scholarship, which will exist in perpetuity, has been established to honor Chancellor Paydar's leadership, especially in the area of diversity, equity, and inclusion at IUPUI. As part of its mission, IUPUI is committed to creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment. Reflecting this commitment, special consideration for this scholarship will be given to students from underrepresented populations, including those with financial challenges and diverse cultural experiences.
Representing IUPUI at home and around the world
Chancellor Paydar ensured that IUPUI remained at the forefront in terms of global engagement, research, and education. He led IUPUI delegations on trips to the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and Latin America in order to identify educational and research opportunities and connect with IUPUI alumni around the world. Working at home, he also created new ways for IUPUI to strengthen its identity as a welcoming destination for people from around the world.
Naturalization ceremony
IUPUI was the first university in Indianapolis to host a naturalization ceremony, welcoming America’s newest citizens.
See photos from the event
International delegations
Paydar strengthened IUPUI’s international ties, leading delegations around the world.
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IUPUI ranks among most sustainable campuses
IUPUI near top of rankings for United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
Take a look at the press releaseStrengthening IUPUI as an economic driver
During Chancellor Paydar’s tenure, the campus strengthened its position as an economic engine in Indianapolis. IUPUI is one of the largest employers in the city, a hub of cutting-edge research, and a thriving physical presence, drawing faculty, staff, and students from around the world.
$3.2 billionin external funding for research & creative activity
$2.3 billiontotal income added in the region
$1.8 billionalumni impact
IUPUI undertook $218.5 million worth of construction and renovation projects during Chancellor Paydar’s tenure, including the massive renovation of the Natatorium and the construction of Innovation Hall as well as IUPUI’s gateways, marking the entry points to campus.