New IU Bloomington Chancellor Discusses Key DEI Initiatives, Trustee Updates, and Vision for Leadership

David Reingold is the new chancellor at Indiana University Bloomington, starting his role on June 2. Known as the “CEO of the campus,” he’ll oversee various areas, including finance, community engagement, and student life. He works under IU President Pamela Whitten, while Provost Rahul Shrivastav will report to him.

Before this, Reingold was a dean at Purdue University. He focused on enhancing the value of liberal arts degrees, introducing programs like an accelerated dual-degree option. His journey in academia began at IU, where he worked as a professor and dean.

In a recent interview with the Herald-Times, Reingold shared his excitement about returning to IU and discussed his plans for the future.

Home Again

Reingold expressed joy in coming back to Bloomington, where he spent nearly two decades building his career and family. He hopes to reconnect with the community and engage actively with students, faculty, and staff. “I’ve been here for 30 years; Indiana feels like home,” he said.

Role as Chancellor

He explained his role in relation to the provost. Traditionally, chancellors lead and manage the campus, while provosts focus on academic matters. This structure allows for better leadership in today’s complex educational environment.

He plans to spend his early months learning about the campus dynamics and new programs. His priorities include enhancing education quality and supporting student aspirations.

Commitment to Diversity

Reingold addressed recent changes in university policies regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). IU has closed its DEI office due to new state mandates, prompting concerns about how it will maintain its commitment to an inclusive environment. Reingold reassured the community that support for all students will still be a priority.

Navigating New Challenges

With the recent state budget changes eliminating alumni-elected trustees, challenges continue for IU. Reingold acknowledged the complexities of governance and expressed readiness to collaborate with new trustees and state leaders. Maintaining democratic processes in decision-making is essential, he added.

Future of Higher Education

Reingold believes higher education is facing a tough period but can emerge stronger, just as it has in the past. He mentioned the need for universities to innovate instead of relying solely on tradition. “We can’t get complacent,” he stated.

In conclusion, Reingold’s return to IU marks a new chapter. He aims to listen, learn, and lead, ensuring the university remains vital to Indiana’s future.

For more insights, see this article from Inside Higher Ed on the evolving landscape of diversity and inclusion in universities.

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