After months of controversy, University of Arizona President Robert Robbins announced he will step down at the end of his current contract, or when the Arizona Board of Regents have chosen his successor.
Robbins has been a target of progressives since he was chosen to lead the University by Governor Doug Ducey. However, it was a $177 million budget shortfall tied to the athletics department and a miscalculation of cash reserves that led to his announcement to step down.
Although Robbins took full responsibility for the financial woes and pledged to reverse course, in January, Governor Katie Hobbs signaled that she wanted his head, calling for action to reverse the university’s “lack of accountability, transparency and leadership.”
Despite the fact that Robbins requested and was granted a 10 percent cut to his base pay and elimination of his bonuses by the Board of Regents, pressure remained as progressives saw an opportunity to create a vacancy and replace him with a leader more to their liking.
“After significant consideration and personal contemplation, I informed the Regents this morning that I will step down as President of the University of Arizona after fulfilling the terms of my current contract,” said Robbins. “When a new President has been appointed by ABOR and she or he is prepared to start sooner than the end date of my contract, I will ensure a smooth transition to my successor and step aside earlier.”
“Although this is a difficult decision, it is the right decision for the university that I love so dearly and for me,” added Robbins. “It has been a true honor to lead the University of Arizona for so many years, particularly during a time of transformational change in higher education and with challenges in the world around us. I am proud of the many advancements we made together in elevating the institution, by enhancing the student experience; by attracting and retaining world-class faculty and staff; by increasing our research funding and philanthropy; by achieving significant milestones in science, astronomy and medicine, among many other disciplines; by engaging our indigenous tribes and rural communities; and by improving the lives of Arizona residents and the global community.”
“The board is deeply appreciative of President Robbins’ exceptional dedication to the mission and values of the University of Arizona,” said ABOR Chair Cecilia Mata. “He has built a legacy of commitment to student access and success, as well as advancement of the university’s land-grant mission. President Robbins implemented a strategic plan focused on the opportunities and challenges presented by the Fourth Industrial Revolution. His keen ability to weave together the biological, digital and technology sectors to further advance the mission of the university has led to exceptional accomplishments. On behalf of the board, we are sincerely grateful for his tireless work and commitment to serve the students, faculty, staff and state.”
“The University of Arizona has a long-standing reputation as an elite public research university – one with a rich tradition of service and a leader in advancing new frontiers and making remarkable discoveries,” said Robbins. “The University of Arizona has and will continue to tackle the more pressing challenges of our time. And it is time to begin to think about what is next for the university and I will continue to serve the institution with pride and work with ABOR to ensure a smooth transition at the appropriate time. I am grateful to the regents for their ongoing support of our work, and I am confident that with their continued strong leadership, the University of Arizona will be in great hands.”
Arizona Board of Regents Chair Mata said the board plans to commence a national search for the 23rd President of the university, and that the search will move forward with “expediency.”
Robbins has agreed to serve as President until his successor is ready to begin her or his tenure. Robbins’ current contract expires June 30, 2026.