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News Release

Last modified: Friday, October 31, 2008

Nasser Paydar chosen as IU East chancellor

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Oct. 31, 2008

RICHMOND, Ind. -- Indiana University President Michael A. McRobbie today (Oct. 31) announced the appointment of Nasser H. Paydar as chancellor of Indiana University East, effective Jan. 1, 2009, subject to the approval of the IU Board of Trustees at their December meeting.

Paydar was among four finalists for the position, which became vacant in June 2007, with the retirement of long-time Chancellor David Fulton. Paydar has been serving as interim chancellor of the 2,400-student regional campus for the past year.

"Nasser Paydar has proven himself a highly effective leader and administrator in his various executive positions with Indiana University," said McRobbie. "I am very confident that IU East will continue to grow under Nasser's strong and collaborative leadership."

McRobbie thanked IU East Professor Cathy Ludlum Foos, who chaired the 10-member search committee that identified Paydar and three other finalists for McRobbie's consideration.

"I know the committee put in a great deal of time and effort to identify four well qualified candidates, and I would like to express my gratitude for their service to Indiana University," McRobbie said.

Paydar said he is grateful for the opportunity.

"I am honored to be selected to serve the region as the new chancellor of IU East," Paydar said. "I look forward to continued strong relationships with our faculty, staff and students as well as our alumni, community partners and Ivy Tech colleagues. IU East's responsibility to this region is significant, and I am enthusiastic about our growing leadership role to enhance the region's economic opportunities and improve the quality of life for its citizens."

Before coming to IU East, Paydar served as vice chancellor and dean of Indiana University-Purdue University Columbus for three and a half years, where he was credited with overseeing significant growth in enrollment, faculty and programs.

Paydar began his service at Indiana University in 1985 when he joined the Department of Mechanical Engineering at IUPUI as an assistant professor of mechanical engineering. From 1989 to 2003, he served as chairman of the Department of Mechanical Engineering in the School of Engineering and Technology at IUPUI, associate dean for graduate programs, associate dean for academic programs, and executive associate dean.

Paydar holds bachelor's, master's and Ph.D. degrees in mechanical engineering from Syracuse University.

The IU Board of Trustees officially established IU East as a regional campus of Indiana University in 1971. From the beginning, this 182-acre campus was well supported by local and area citizens, and the original land acquisition in Richmond was made possible through their generous financial support.

In the campus' first year of operation more than 600 students enrolled, and in 1975 the campus received accreditation from the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

As interim chancellor, Paydar put in place new recruiting and retention practices that have already produced a dramatic increase in enrollment at IU East. He also focused on strengthening the ties to the community and more closely aligned its programs with the needs of the Richmond area.

This fall, enrollment stands at more than 2,400 students. IU East shares its campus with Ivy Tech Richmond and Purdue University programs. It serves as an essential educational resource and an important element of economic development in its two-state region.

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