Jeremy Morris of Indianapolis and Donna Spears of Richmond, Indiana were elected by IU alumni to the Board of Trustees, according to a press release from the university Wednesday.
Morris was elected for his first term and Spears for her second in an election that closed June 30.
Morris has three IU degrees. He earned his bachelor’s degree in 2005, master’s in higher education and student affairs administration in 2007 and a J.D. from the IU Robert H. McKinney School of Law in 2014, according to the release. He serves as an assistant United States attorney for the Southern District of Indiana and as an adjunct law professor at the McKinney School.
“As a Black male, first-generation, three-time graduate of Indiana University, I know first-hand the prevailing issues impacting IU students and remain committed throughout my tenure as trustee to ensure students are at the heart of every decision,” he said. “The diversity of the university will remain one of my main missions.”
Spears was first elected to the board in 2019. She received her associate degree in 1978, bachelor’s degree in 1979 and Master of Public Administration in 1981, all from IU. She is an associate broker for Coldwell Banker, according to the release.
"I am pleased to retain a seat on the IU Board of Trustees and to continue working with the other trustees who care so deeply about Indiana University," Spears said.
The 2020 trustees election was postponed due to the pandemic, so two trustees were elected in the 2021 election.
Morris received 7,460 votes out of 20,378 and will serve a standard three-year term because he received the most votes. Spears, who received 6,821 votes, will serve an abbreviated two-year term.
Of the nine members of the IU Board of Trustees, three are elected by IU graduates and six are appointed by the governor.
