WEST LAFAYETTE — Former Indiana Gov. and Purdue University President Mitch Daniels has released his fifth book, “Impatience Is a Virtue: A Life Where the Buck Stops.”
The book was released Sept. 15 by Lyons Press and distributed by Simon & Schuster. It draws on Daniels’ career in business, government and higher education, including his time with the Ronald Reagan and George W. Bush administrations, as Indiana governor, as an executive with Eli Lilly and Company, and as president of Purdue University.
Daniels also discusses his experiences following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, his time in Indiana state government and his tenure at Purdue.
The book addresses topics including political divisions in the United States, working across political differences, higher education, and Daniels’ experience considering a campaign for president.
“When my service at Purdue ended, I was unconvinced the world really needed a book of mine,” Daniels said in announcing the book. “But after much encouragement, conflicting advice and months of procrastination, I launched myself on the task of recounting much of what, and whom, I encountered on an unplanned path that lurched, abruptly and unexpectedly, from sector to sector, new life to new life.”
Daniels served as Purdue’s 12th president from 2013 through 2022 after completing two terms as Indiana governor.
During his Purdue presidency, the university launched the Purdue Moves and Purdue’s Next Moves initiatives, acquired Purdue Global and established Purdue Polytechnic High Schools. Other initiatives during his tenure included the development of Discovery Park District, Degree in 3 programs, the transformation of the State Street corridor and the expansion of Purdue’s presence in Indianapolis.
Daniels also focused on tuition and student affordability during his time as Purdue president. According to Purdue, the university went 36 years without a tuition freeze or reduction before Daniels’ tenure, during which Purdue held tuition rates steady for several years.
His tenure also included Purdue’s 150th anniversary celebration in 2019 and the creation of the university’s Presidential Lecture Series.
Daniels returned to Purdue on July 1 after being appointed interim president.
About the book
“Impatience Is a Virtue: A Life Where the Buck Stops” is a 600-page hardcover published by Lyons Press. The publisher describes the book as a memoir covering Daniels’ experiences in the private sector, government, and higher education, as well as his observations about changes in American institutions over the past five decades.
The book is available through retailers and the publisher.
