The University of Arizona has a deep set of assets, but years of weak leadership and the changing environment of American higher education have brought it to a perilous crossroads from which many outcomes are possible.

Successfully navigating this situation requires strong leadership, joined by a renewed sense of purpose and commitment from the university’s internal and external stakeholders.

As a member of UA’s presidential search committee, I supported the Regents’ appointment of Dr. Suresh Garimella as UA’s new president. I believe he has the experience, priorities and work ethic required to move UA forward, as well as a track record of strong and well-informed decisions.

(Contrary to rumors, the choice was not pre-determined. The committee influenced the evaluation of a field of candidates and the final result.)

But this appointment is just the first step.

In an April letter published in the Arizona Daily Star, former UA President John Schaefer aptly summarized issues facing the university, beginning with the frayed consensus surrounding its mission.

President Garimella inherits that problem, as well as the unusual legacy of a........

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