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Chancellor Tribute

Chancellor Tribute

Tribute to Chancellor Paydar and collaborative leadership

During his tenure as chancellor of IUPUI and executive vice president of Indiana University (2015-2022), Nasser H. Paydar has brought a vision for collaborative, inclusive, and transparent leadership. Such an approach reflects the spirit of partnership that characterizes IUPUI and has been especially vital in strategic planning efforts as well as the campus's response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Visit Chancellor Paydar's virtual guestbook

Working closely with faculty, staff, and students, Paydar has steadily advanced IUPUI’s three strategic priorities focused on student success, research, and engagement. He has 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 reflects 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 has met regularly with student government leaders and has spoken at countless student events. Most important, he has 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 since 2015

#21Ranking in service learning by U.S. News & World Report

Advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion

Throughout his tenure at IUPUI, Chancellor Paydar has 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.

Give to the Chancellor Paydar Inclusive Excellence Scholarship

Representing IUPUI at home and around the world

Chancellor Paydar has ensured that IUPUI remains at the forefront in terms of global engagement, research, and education. He has 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 has also created new ways for IUPUI to strengthen its identity as a welcoming destination for people from around the world.

A new citizen is handed an American flag.

Naturalization ceremony

IUPUI was the first university in Indianapolis to host a naturalization ceremony, welcoming America's newest citizens.

See photos from the event

A view of the Wat Arun Buddhist temple in Bangkok from across the Chao Phraya River.

International delegations

Paydar has strengthened IUPUI's international ties, leading delegations around the world.

Review details on this priority

Flowers in the foreground with Indianapolis skyline in the background

IUPUI ranks among most sustainable campuses

IUPUI near top of rankings for United Nations Sustainable Development Goals

Take a look at the press release

Strengthening IUPUI as an economic driver

During Chancellor Paydar’s tenure, the campus has 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.

Other Key Initiatives

Welcoming Campus Initiative

IUPUI 50th Anniversary Celebration

Internationalization