INDIANAPOLIS — Indiana University President Pamela Whitten delivered her 2024 State of the University address Tuesday, touting several accomplishments around a central theme of her love for the university.
“One of the main reasons I love IU is its outstanding students,” Whitten said. “Their dedication, creativity, and leadership are truly inspiring and are at the heart of what makes IU exceptional.”
Whitten delivered her remarks before an audience convened by the University Faculty Council.
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During the speech, Whitten also shared updates on the progress towards IU’s 2030 strategic plan. Adopted in 2023, the plan sets the goals for development and growth for the next decade.
Enrollment this year is up across all IU campuses, and the Bloomington campus set a new enrollment record in 2024 for the fourth consecutive year.
“However, in my first three-and-a-half years at Indiana University, I have discovered that our community is so much more than metrics,” Whitten said. “Across the state, I have witnessed the dedication and passion of our students, faculty, and staff who are committed to IU’s future and work tirelessly to enhance it.”
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The IU Board of Trustees agreed with the success, granting Whitten a $175,500 bonus in September.
Whitten is the first female president in IU's history, succeeding IU president Michael McRobbie who retired in June 2021.
The past year has been somewhat of a tumultuous one for the Whitten administration, which has faced ongoing criticism from students and faculty over how the university handled pro.
In April, the IU Bloomington faculty passed votes of no confidence against Whitten, Provost Rahul Shrivastav and Vice Provost for Faculty and Academic Affairs Carrie Docherty during a special meeting.
It was the first time since 2005 that an IU President faced a vote of no confidence.
