Dear Colleagues,
I joined Purdue as ChE Head on January 1, 2004. Following two five-year terms, beginning January 1, 2014 I accepted a partial term of "approximately three years." In my mind, approximately 3 years meant 2.5 to 3.5 years. Over the past several months, I decided to make the term duration definitive.
I am writing to inform that I plan to leave my Head position effective July 31, 2016 - 2.5 years into my current term. Dean Leah Jamieson is aware of my plans - the full one-year notice will permit her to conduct a search to appoint a new Head effective August 1, 2016.
My personal plan is to be on a one-year leave and return to the faculty effective August 1, 2017 to continue my teaching and research programs.
It has been my honor to serve as the 10th Head of our School, since its founding on June 14, 1911. I have tried my best to uphold the high standards of leadership and excellence established by my distinguished predecessors. During my service, I have been overwhelmed by the strong support of the faculty, staff, students, alumni, corporate and other friends. The support of the College administration, notably by Deans Linda Katehi and Leah Jamieson, has also been very important for me and our School. I thank all for the opportunity to serve and look forward to completing the last year of my term to help raise our School to even greater heights - our collective future is brilliant!
With best wishes,
Arvind
Arvind Varma
R. Games Slayter Distinguished Professor
Jay and Cynthia Ihlenfeld Head of Chemical Engineering
Purdue University
