Pamela Whitten is the 19th president of Indiana University and the first woman to lead IU, a world-class public research university with nine campuses throughout Indiana.

She leads the implementation of IU 2030, a bold strategic plan built around three central pillars: advancing student success and opportunity, expanding the university’s research and creative activity, and strengthening its unwavering commitment to serving communities in Indiana and worldwide.

Under her leadership, the university has accelerated its efforts to hire and retain diverse faculty and researchers, renewed its focus on student mental health, revamped academic advising to improve retention and persistence, increased research proposal submissions and funding with an associated increase in major funding for science and technology endeavors, and launched a university-wide initiative that expands support for students and faculty in creating and growing startup ventures. Whitten also led the transformation of Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis into IU Indianapolis, creating more opportunities for students and enhancing the campus’ focus on research, innovation, and community engagement.

Before joining IU, Whitten held various leadership roles in higher education, including at Michigan State University, the University of Georgia, and Kennesaw State University, where she served as president. Before transitioning into university administration, Whitten was an active researcher in the field of telemedicine. She holds a Ph.D. in communication studies and a Master of Arts in communication.