Purdue announces Gov. Daniels as university president - 13 WTHR Indianapolis

The Purdue Board of Trustees has introduced Mitch Daniels as the next University President.

Gov. Daniels, 63, will take over for France Cordova who is leaving next month. Provost Tim Sands will serve as interim president until the governor's term in office ends in January.

As you might expect, Gov. Mitch Daniels wasted little time introducing himself around campus - starting with the students of Purdue University.

"I am about to start freshman orientation when it comes to higher education. I don't even know what I don't know yet. All I know is there is a lot I don't know," said the governor.

"Today is a great day to be a Boilermaker. A great day for Purdue," said Keith Krach, chairman of the Board of Trustees.

A search committee chaired by Trustee Michael Berghoff, with representation from the faculty, staff, students and alumni, identified the candidate. Berghoff said it was a diverse group that contributed to the search.

Berghoff said Daniels met three times with the search committee, which asked him extensive questions about his background, vision and interest. Berghoff also said that Daniels' name repeatedly came up as the search committee conducted its process.

The board endorsed the choice of Daniels as president with a unanimous vote.

The governor opened his speech with a joke about his tie.

"I think it's best to go directly to the central question that I know is on the minds of most people here. The room is pregnant with it.The answer is no, I did not buy this necktie just last night. (Former Purdue President) Martin Jischke gave me this necktie about seven years ago and I have worn it many times since...never as proudly or emotionally as today. This is not a morning of oration, at least not from me and probably not for a while."

Daniels said he planned to spend the next six months doing "lots of listening and very little talking."

He also said he was "deeply grateful and excited to be here with you" and determined to live up to the praise for him that preceded the announcement.

"No institution of any kind means more to Indiana today and tomorrow than Purdue University," the governor said, noting the engineers, scientists, agricultural experts and other specialized professions that the country depends on.

"I'm not a scholar in the science but I'm as avid a student of their advances a a lay person can be," he said.

Daniels also said he would work to earn the honor of the appointment.

Gov. Daniels has put his name up for election three times and won every time, but this time it will be a five-year term. The salary is yet to be negotiated.

"I can think of no greater assignment in which a person has the chance to contribute more to building the kind of Indiana of which we dream," said Daniels.

"I want to make this clear. This is not a case where he sought the office. The office sought the man," said Krach.

Outgoing President France Córdova congratulated the governor as did former President Martin Jishcke.

After winning his third election, the governor will now officially say goodbye to politics. Although it's an election year, the governor said he would recuse himself from partisan activities or commentary - and focus instead on the challenges faced by higher education.

"No campaigning. No commenting about anyone's campaign in the state, out of the state, anywhere else. No fundraising. Nothing," he said.

"I am very elated about Gov. Daniels being President Daniels. I think he's got great leadership opportunities. Great leadership experience. I think he will be wonderful for our university," said Jared Bond, Purdue alumnus.

Daniels said at a time when higher ed is being challenged to modernize and reaffirm its value in society, he hopes that Purdue might lead the way in carving out that transformation.

While most of the feedback has been positive, there is some pushback - although that was not evidence at the board meeting Thursday. An electronic petition is being circulated alleging a Board of Trustees vote in favor of Daniels represents a conflict of interest since he appointed eight of its ten members. It also cites an Indiana State Ethics Commission requirement that all executive branch employees comply with a mandatory one-year cooling off period when considering employment with organizations that do business with the state.

There is only one obvious downside to this deal.

"We can picture him riding his Harley around campus and he'll be around campus. We just found out yesterday there is a policy of no motorcycles on campus, so it will be around campus," said Krach.

The university made amends by presenting him with a leather Purdue motorcycle jacket.

Daniels has served two terms as governor and is barred by state law from seeking a third term.

The former budget director under President George W. Bush had been mentioned as a possible presidential candidate but dashed GOP hopes last year when he said he wouldn't enter the race because of family considerations. He has also been suggested as a running mate for presumptive GOP nominee Mitt Romney but said repeatedly he wasn't interested.

Statement from Mayor Greg Ballard (R-Indianapolis):

"Mitch Daniels is an excellent choice to be Purdue's next president, and I am happy to hear he will be staying in his home state after his service as governor. His experience and expertise in both the public and private sectors will undoubtedly benefit this great university, its students and faculty, and the state of Indiana and beyond for years to come."

Statement from Rep. Mike Pence (R-IN):

"Governor Mitch Daniels is an outstanding choice to serve Purdue University as their next president. Mitch's intellect, energy and visionary leadership will benefit not only Purdue's students and faculty, but also improve the quality of Indiana's workforce and create new economic opportunities for all Hoosiers. Purdue University and our state are fortunate to have someone of his nationally-recognized reputation assuming the helm of one of our flagship academic institutions."

Statement from Rep. Todd Rokita (R-IN):

"The selection of Mitch Daniels is a huge win for Purdue, for the entire community of West Lafayette and for the Fourth District. Indeed, the entire state will continue to benefit.

"I have worked closely with Mitch for the past eight years, including six years in the Statehouse when I served as Secretary of State. Because of this, I know we will be in for a great ride.

"As a member of the House Education and Workforce Committee, and as the representative whose district includes the Purdue campus, I'm ready to work with him on student loan issues, the limited role that the federal government should have in education, and revolutionizing the academic culture so that our young people can get the education that they, their parents and the taxpayers are paying for. I look forward to our collaboration as he leads Purdue into what will undoubtedly be a very successful future."

Statement from Sen. Dan Coats (R-IN):

"I congratulate Governor Daniels and Purdue University on this exciting announcement. The pairing of one of our nation's most innovative leaders with one of our premier institutions of higher learning means exciting days are ahead in West Lafayette.

"I always said 'President Daniels' has a nice ring to it. Despite the numerous national opportunities available to him, the governor followed his heart and chose to stay home in Indiana. In doing so, he once again demonstrated his passion for our state and commitment to improving our education system for future generations. I commend the governor for his dedication to Hoosiers and look forward to working with him as he leads Purdue University."

Statement from Indiana House Speaker Brian Bosma (R):

"As a Purdue engineering graduate and a longtime advocate for the university in the General Assembly, I am thrilled with the selection of Governor Mitch Daniels as Purdue's next President.

"As a world recognized leader in engineering, science, technology, agriculture, pharmacy, education and dozens of other disciplines, if leveraged properly, Purdue will be one of the principal drivers of Indiana's future economic success. With his experience and key role in transforming Indiana over the last eight years, Gov. Daniels is uniquely qualified to capitalize on Purdue's tremendous faculty and international reputation. I look forward to working with the Governor to take Purdue, and our state, to the next level."

Statement from Indiana Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Kevin Brinegar:

"The Indiana Chamber, representing nearly 5,000 member companies and their 800,000 employees, is pleased that our state will continue to directly benefit from Gov. Daniels' passion, innovation and commitment to excellence.

"Purdue University is already an outstanding higher education institution. The impact of Gov. Daniels' leadership and national profile, combined with the many strong assets already in place, will elevate the entire university community - and our state - to even greater levels of achievement."