In a significant move that underscores Indiana University's commitment to student success, President Pamela Whitten has announced the appointment of Rahul Shrivastav as the interim vice president for student success. This transition comes as Shrivastav, who has been serving as the provost at IU Bloomington, takes on this university-wide role. Concurrently, Chancellor David Reingold of IU Bloomington revealed that John Ciorciari, who is the dean of the Hamilton Lugar School of Global and International Studies, will step in as the interim provost for IU Bloomington.
President Whitten expressed her confidence in these appointments, stating, "Rahul and John are trusted, experienced leaders who care deeply about Indiana University and the people who make this place exceptional." She emphasized that these interim roles will enable the university to proceed with clarity and purpose, ensuring that students remain at the forefront of their initiatives while preserving robust academic leadership within the Bloomington campus.
Under Shrivastav's guidance as provost, IU Bloomington has achieved remarkable milestones, including record numbers of enrollments and applications, the establishment of 25 new academic programs, and the successful recruitment of numerous top-tier faculty members. He has also played a pivotal role in modernizing the university's teaching and research facilities, fostering interdisciplinary research groups, enhancing experiential learning opportunities, and initiating innovative collaborations with various industries. Before his tenure at Indiana University, Shrivastav was the vice president for instruction at the University of Georgia, where he focused on undergraduate education and instructional innovation, significantly improving retention and graduation rates.
Shrivastav takes over the role previously held by Brenda Stopher, who decided to step down from the position after four impactful years, citing personal reasons.
"Across IU, we’re here to ensure every student has an exceptional experience," said Shrivastav. "This role is about making sure our systems, policies, and daily practices come together in ways that genuinely support students and keep them moving confidently toward graduation and beyond. I’m grateful for the chance to advance this vital work alongside colleagues across IU."
On the other hand, John Ciorciari brings a wealth of academic leadership experience to his interim role as provost. As the current dean of the Hamilton Lugar School, and having previously served as the associate dean at the Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy at the University of Michigan, Ciorciari has a track record of engaging faculty effectively and strategic planning. During his time at the Hamilton Lugar School, he has overseen the expansion of interdisciplinary programs, strengthened global partnerships, and enhanced opportunities for students to integrate their academic pursuits with real-world challenges.
Ciorciari remarked, "IU Bloomington is renowned for its academic excellence. I care deeply about helping sustain and build on the tradition and positive momentum we have across the Bloomington campus."
Looking ahead, the Bloomington campus is set to conduct a formal search for a permanent provost. Further details regarding the search process will be shared at a later date, marking an important step in maintaining the high standards of academic leadership at Indiana University.
