September 21, 2017

To the Fort Wayne campus community,

I am pleased to announce that, effective Nov. 1, Dr. Ronald Elsenbaumer will become the next chancellor of IPFW – and the first chancellor of Purdue University Fort Wayne. This decision comes after a thorough search and extensive efforts to gather your feedback.

Ron is a Purdue alumnus, having earned his bachelor’s degree in chemistry with honors from the West Lafayette campus in 1973 before earning his PhD in chemistry from Stanford. He comes to Fort Wayne from the University of Texas at Arlington, where he most recently served as a special advisor to the president for entrepreneurship and economic development.

He brings an extensive and impressive background in both academia and industry.

Ron joined UTA in 1991, and served as provost and vice president for academic affairs, vice president for research and federal relations, and the director of a nano-fabrication research and teaching facility. As a member of the faculty, he was a professor of chemistry and polymer chemistry, a professor of materials science and engineering and chair of both the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, and the Materials Science and Engineering Program.

On the industry side, he worked for AlliedSignal from 1977-1991, starting as a laboratory scientist before rising to senior research associate and conductive polymer project leader. During his time at AlliedSignal, he managed project development all the way through market release and worked with development partner companies in Europe and Japan.

This is a pivotal time for the Fort Wayne campus, and I have absolute confidence that Ron is the right person to lead us wisely and boldly into the future. 

I would like to once again thank Chancellor Vicky Carwein for her service and leadership. Her success navigating a complex fiscal environment, and shaping the campus into a more efficient and effective organization will benefit the Fort Wayne community for many years.

Ron’s selection was a product of the efforts of many. I am especially grateful to Trustee Gary Lehman, who led an outstanding search committee, and for the campus community in providing thoughtful feedback that was a material factor in Ron’s selection.

I hope you will all join me in congratulating Ron and welcoming him to the Fort Wayne and Purdue communities.

A news release on Ron’s appointment will be issued today.

Sincerely,  

Mitch Daniels                      
President