Former Mitch Daniels will return to lead Purdue University as interim president beginning July 1, following the departure of current president Mung Chiang.The Purdue Board of Trustees approved Daniels’ appointment Monday after Chiang announced earlier this month that he will step down to become president of Northwestern University.
Daniels previously served as Purdue’s president for 10 years after completing two terms as governor of Indiana. He currently serves as president emeritus and chair of the Purdue Research Foundation.
In a statement following the announcement, Daniels praised Chiang’s leadership and said continuing Purdue’s progress is important.
“It’s essential that the momentum he has generated be maintained,” Daniels said. “If the board believes that recalling me to active duty temporarily can help in this respect, no one as devoted to this institution as I am could say anything but yes.”
Chiang led Purdue for just over three years. Last fall, the university’s board approved a contract extension that would have kept him in the role through mid-2031.
His departure comes during a period of political and financial uncertainty for higher education institutions nationwide under President Donald Trump’s second administration. Federal scrutiny has intensified over university admission policies, student protests and federal funding practices.
Earlier this year, the Trump administration canceled a $34.9 million federal grant intended to help more than 13,000 low-income Indiana students attend college, citing efforts to eliminate diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.
Though Daniels has largely remained out of the political spotlight since leaving office, he publicly criticized Trump’s push for congressional redistricting in Indiana and also opposed calls to punish Republicans who voted against the proposal last year.
Purdue Board of Trustees Chair Gary Lehman said the university appreciates Daniels’ willingness to return to the position.
“We look forward to working with Mitch and the executive team in leading Purdue to even greater heights as it continues to impact lives through its land-grant mission and the persistent pursuit of excellence in higher education,” Lehman said in a statement.
Lehman said Daniels will serve until a permanent president is selected. Purdue officials plan to launch a national search for the university’s next president later this summer.