My First Month as Chancellor

This week marked my first month as chancellor of IU Indianapolis, and every day reinforces my growing love for our university.

My tours of schools continued and included the School of Education, the School of Social Work, the School of Health & Human Sciences, and the Herron School of Art + Design. Even on spring break, Dean Tambra Jackson, Interim Dean Jeffry Thigpen, Founding Dean Rafael Bahamonde, and Dean Greg Hull, respectively, introduced me to their outstanding faculty, staff, and even some very dedicated students!

In the School of Education, it was a treat to learn about Dr. Lasana Kazembe’s spoken word poetry performances and “optical nutrition” offered through photos of African American icons lining his office walls. Dr. Kazembe is an IU Presidential Arts and Humanities Fellow and will be presenting his new jazz opera Paul Robeson: Man of the People on May 31 at the Cabaret.

Did you know that our students from the School of Social Work contribute around 500,000 clinical hours in service statewide over the academic year as they complete field assignments required for licensure? Congratulations to Professor Barb Pierce who recently received a $5.7 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education to be used to bring more mental health services to K-12 Indiana schools.

Visiting the School of Health & Human Sciences allowed me to see their newly renovated facilities at the Health Sciences Building on the north side of campus. I want to thank Professor Stephanie Sharpe for sharing some of her class time with me. When asked “Why IU Indianapolis,” our students mention location, proximity to clinical opportunities, and affordability!

Finally, my visit to the Herron School of Art + Design revealed the tremendous opportunities available to our students who are exploring their creative talents. When I walked into Eskenazi Hall, I was surprised and delighted to be greeted by dozens of Herron faculty and staff. This at 9:30 am on the last day of spring break!

I loved the benches, created by Herron students, that lined the walls and saw the impressive facilities where students create such furniture as well as draw and paint. Later today, I will visit the Eskenazi Fine Art Center where Herron students have more studio space and specialized equipment so that they can fine tune their skills.

As I reflect on the past week, and on my first full month as chancellor, I want to emphasize the depth of my pride in this university and all it has accomplished. Every day I learn more about what our faculty, staff, and students have contributed over the years in service to the campus as well as to the city, state, and region. Our students study here in Indy and most of them stay here after they graduate. They make a difference every day in the life of our communities. Our faculty and staff are always seeking new opportunities to support our students and to change the world through their teaching and research.

To our faculty and staff, thank you for all you are doing.

To our students, study hard and keep up the great work.

Go Jags!

Latha Ramchand
Chancellor