The University of Arizona campus was buzzing Tuesday with a sense of relief and optimism after President Dr. Robert C. Robbins announced he was resigning at the end of his contract in June 2026. 

Robbins, in a memo emailed Tuesday morning to UA employees, students and faculty members, said that “should (Arizona Board of Regents) select a new president who is prepared to start sooner than the end date of my contract, I will ensure a smooth transition to my successor and step aside earlier.”  

Students greeted the news, which comes amidst the university’s $177 million deficit, as a potential turning point.

“I’m not surprised with the announcement considering all the financial issues the university has faced over the past few months and with all the bad media coverage the university has faced because of that,” said UA senior Connor Gerspatcher. “I think it makes sense for him to leave.”

Sophomore Steven Billington said the move could signal a fresh start for the UA as it digs out of the crisis. 

“As students, we’ve seen budget cuts affecting various parts of campus life, and with so many people losing their jobs recently because of the budget cuts I think it’s a good thing for the university to look for new leadership,” he said. 

“I don’t think anyone on campus or anyone who pays attention to the news around the university is surprised by this news. It felt like a matter of when, not if because of all the problems we have faced recently under Robbins,” said UA junior Aaron Leonard.  

The consensus among some students reflects broader conversations on campus about the need for proactive measures to address budgetary concerns and ensure the university’s long-term sustainability. 

As the university community looks ahead to the transition period and the search for a new president, Gerspatcher, Billington and Leonard said they remain hopeful about the potential for positive change and progress.

Arizona Sonoran News is a news service of the University of Arizona School of Journalism.