Daniels to remain as Purdue Research Foundation chairman

Purdue University President Mitch Daniels plans to step down from the post in December, but he will not be stepping away from his role with the Purdue Research Foundation, the university announced Wednesday. Daniels will remain as the foundation’s chairman in an unpaid, voluntary capacity.

The PRF Board of Directors voted unanimously to amend PRF’s bylaws to open the possibility for the designation.

Bylaws previously provided that the president serve ex-officio as the chair of the board. However, incoming university President Mung Chiang requested a change to the rules that allows either the president or an individual designated by the president to serve as PRF chair.

“As I continue past the midpoint of the six-month transition period, I am increasingly convinced, through the listening tour across a wide range of important topics, that I would like to dedicate the first year of my service as the president to the students, faculty, and staff on our campuses,” said Chiang. “In the meantime, there are several other projects of significance and urgency, mostly in the purview of PRF. I sincerely submit this recommendation for the PRF board to consider the continuation of Mr. Daniels as chairman of the PRF board.”

In the role, Daniels will continue the ongoing economic development pipeline and growth of Discovery Park District at Purdue. He will also serve as liaison to the state legislature and Indiana government as Purdue establishes an independent presence in Indianapolis.

“Agreeing to this arrangement took some thought,” said Daniels. “On one hand, I believe firmly that a person leaving a job like mine should leave completely, making certain never to intrude on his successor’s activities. I’ll be careful to observe that rule.”

Purdue says under Daniels watch as chair, he oversaw a record number of U.S. patents and corporate partnerships through the PRF and expanded economic development through the Discovery Park District.