As a major public university, Indiana University has an enormous role in the state’s economic fortunes. That, according to retiring university president Michael McRobbie, comes in the form of educating individuals (more than 308,000 degrees awarded during his 14-year tenure) and conducting/applying research that leads to companies, innovation and jobs (an independent study found IU created $9.9 billion in added income for the state in fiscal year 2019).
On the external funding side of the equation ($1 billion plus for the first time in 2020), McRobbie notes the growth over the years was needed to “move into the top tier of Big Ten universities.” The Australia native outlines how his views changed regarding IU’s regional campuses and the continued progress in international opportunities for students and faculty.
The balancing act of a university president in athletics is intriguing – along with the light-hearted jab that came as a result of the successful 2020 football season. We talk Australian sports, living by the sea and more.
