Though IPFW has long since formed a search committee for the next chancellor of the university, new developments in state legislation may make it possible for Chancellor Michael Wartell to remain in his position.
In January, Senate Bill 155, sponsored by state Sen. Brent Steele (R-IN), was introduced to the Indiana Senate. The bill would have done away with age limits for certain employees at state educational institutions.
The bill was passed 49-1 on Jan. 30. After its passage, however, the bill never made it to a vote in the House.
“I thought it would be appropriate to keep that amendment alive,” said state Sen. Dennis Kruse (R-IN), chair of the Indiana Senate Education Commission.
In response to the lack of progress, Kruse added wording to House Bill 1200, a bill that concerns the boards of trustees from several Indiana Universities.
“I don’t think they need a mandatory age limit,” he added.
“The board of trustees may not impose or allow any mandatory or presumptive age limits by the board of trustees of a state educational institution,” reads the provision. This text was lifted almost entirely from SB 155.
On Feb. 16, this action was passed by the Senate committee. It will now go to the full Senate for a vote.
The passage of this law would effectively get rid of the Purdue University rule that requires retirement for administrators at the age of 65. Because the proposed law would go into effect as soon as it is passed, its effects would be retroactive. This means that Wartell’s removal based on age would be no longer be valid.
“He is a part of this,” said Kruse of the chancellor. “This would allow him to stay on as chancellor … at least it would remove the roadblock.”
Kruse said he thinks it is “very possible” the Senate will pass the bill because they had already passed similar wording.
After that process, it will go through more readings and the House will either disagree or agree to the changes.
The Indiana legislation runs only part-time and is nearing the end of its session. HB 1200 will be considered for vote this week.
Neither IPFW nor Purdue University are commenting on the bill, nor about Wartell’s position at IPFW.
