University of Arkansas system president named Purdue University president

University of Arkansas System President Jay B. Silveria was named the next leader of Purdue University Thursday.

Silveria, who became UA System president in January 2025, will assume his new role as Purdue’s president on Feb. 1, according to a press release. Silveria received unanimous approval from Purdue’s board of trustees and will succeed Mitch Daniels, the former Indiana governor who has served as interim president since July.

UA board approves Silveria as new system president 

UA Board of Trustees Chairman Randy Lawson said in a statement that Silveria’s tenure has been highlighted by “significant progress, unity and a clear vision” for the system’s future. 

“While we are disappointed to receive the news that President Silveria is leaving, I recognize that this is a unique opportunity for him to share his strengths and leadership skills at another well-respected institution that can greatly benefit from them,” Lawson said. “…Jay has an infectious, positive style of leadership that will be missed.”

Silveria’s tenure coincided with state lawmakers asserting more control over higher education through legislation prohibiting diversity, equity and inclusion efforts. Earlier this year, the University of Arkansas revoked its incoming law school dean’s job offer following complaints from key Republicans about her background and legal positions on transgender athletes.

Silveria said his departure was not planned, but an opportunity that presented itself and couldn’t be ignored.  

“This is truly an impressive university system filled with wonderful and talented people, and I’m grateful for my time in Arkansas and wish nothing but the best for the more than 110,000 students and employees across the UA System who welcomed us with open arms and inspired me to get up every morning and work tirelessly to promote and fulfill our mission,” he said.

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Silveria, who retired from a 35-year career in the U.S. Air Force in November 2020, spent the last three years of his service as superintendent of the U.S. Air Force Academy. Prior to joining the University of Arkansas, Silveria served as the executive director of Texas A&M University’s Bush School of Government and Public Service in Washington D.C. 

Purdue Board of Trustees Chairman Gary Lehman said Silveria’s career “reflects a consistent commitment to preparing people and organizations to accomplish consequential missions.”

“His strength is in the combination of his experiences, rather than any single position,” Lehman said in a statement. “This combination brings us a leader who has operated in environments that require disciplined execution, developed future leaders, built an educational enterprise in an urban setting and taken responsibility for a broad public higher-education mission.”

Lawson said he expects Silveria to continue his work in Arkansas through January while the board considers plans for transitioning to new leadership. More details will be announced in the coming weeks, according to the release.