University of Arizona President Suresh Garimella promised to “tighten the belt” on the administrative side a lot more before affecting the academic side. The president was responding to a question at Monday's Faculty Senate meeting from senator Lucy Ziurys about whether the UA intends to cut more of the nearly 100 vice presidents it has after eliminating 13 v.p.
positions last fiscal year, which it did while reducing its deficit from $177 million to $63 million. “In general, as a faculty member, I’ll say that universities have too many vice presidents,” said Garimella. “It’s not about numbers, it’s really about functions, right?” Garimella, who became UA president on Oct.
1 after coming from the University Vermont, didn't offer a specific answer when asked by senator Johann Rafelski if the university needs a certain number of vice presidents to run the institution. “Are we offering the most safe environment to our students?" Garimella responded. "Are we ensuring student success? Are we ensuring that the research function is well carried out? Are the critical functions being responsibly addressed and are we as efficient as possible? I’ll tell you that I will always focus on the efficiency of the administrative side.
"Give me a little time, you’ll see,” said Garimella, holding his hand up to Rafelski. UA Chief Financial Officer/Chief Operating Officer John Arnold reported that the 109 vice presidencies were reduced by 13 in fiscal year 2024, which ende.
