As the search for the future IU president draws on, current President Adam Herbert showed no signs of letting up during his third annual State of the University address Tuesday afternoon. \nHerbert addressed research funding, minority enrollment and study abroad programs, among other issues, in a speech that was delivered at IU-Purdue University Indianapolis and broadcast over the Internet to all eight IU campuses.\nDespite voicing his understanding that some decisions will be left to his successor, Herbert said he would not leave the University bare of his leadership until a new president was in place. \n"I take seriously the commitment I have made," Herbert said. "I will not act as a lame duck during this period of transition. Treading water is not an option."
Life Science Research
\nThe administration has developed an $80 million proposal for the state of Indiana for life sciences over the next two years, Herbert said.\nLife sciences provide an unparalleled opportunity and gives IU "the potential to rise to a level of significant leadership in this highly competitive field," he said.\nAfter a recent report recognized Indiana as one of the top four life sciences leaders in the nation, Herbert said he wants to bring in $2.4 billion in research funding to the state by the year 2019. That money would fuel 14,000 new Hoosier jobs and develop at least 100 new companies, he said. \nHerbert ensured that research would be "properly resourced to meet the needs of the institution and the needs of our outstanding researchers."
Accomplishments
\nIncorporating his optimistic hopes, Herbert mentioned some of the many accomplishments on IU's eight campuses during the past year. Recognizing more than 73,000 volunteer hours accumulated between the students on the campuses, Herbert said those students "understand what it means to be true citizens of their community." \nThe future business leaders, artists, musicians and news media of Indiana are receiving their education at IU, Herbert said. \nAfter focusing on the accomplishments of the University, Herbert then looked toward the future. \n"We have at least a year to prepare for leadership transitions," he said. "We must do so with focus and determination."
Embracing Diversity
\nIn order to increase ethnic and religious diversity within the University, Herbert said his goal was to double the enrollment of minority students by the year 2014. \nThe average SAT score for black freshmen is 27 points higher this year than it was for the same group last year, he said.\n"This initiative is showing great promise," Herbert said. "We must and will build on these successes."
International Students and Study Abroad
\nAs a University that includes students from more than 141 countries, IU must build on its international community of learning, Herbert said. This year the largest class of international students was welcomed to Bloomington, he said. IU also sends its students to study abroad in 37 countries, making it a national leader.\n"Nearly 1,500 honors students have traveled abroad to deepen their understanding of what it means to be a citizen of the world," he said. "Providing this is an essential part of our commitment for international engagement." \nSeveral IU campuses, including Bloomington, have developed new international partnerships with countries like Mexico, Indonesia and Australia. \n"These initiatives expanded the approximately 500 partnerships IU has with other institutions," he said.
