12 candidates will run for the open alumni position on the IU Board of Trustees. The election begins at 12:01 a.m. June 1 and ends at 10 a.m. June 28.
The IU Board of Trustees is the nine-member governing body of the university, according to its website. Six members are appointed by Indiana’s governor, including one student member, while three are elected by alumni to serve three-year terms.
The election comes amid criticism of IU administration from faculty and students.
IU faculty overwhelmingly passed votes of no confidence in IU President Whitten, Provost Rahul Shrivastav and Vice Provost for Faculty and Academic Affairs Carrie Docherty April 16.
An “ad hoc committee,” a temporary committee designed for a specific purpose, was convened by the university and created a new policy prohibiting the unapproved use of structures in Dunn Meadow one day before a pro-Palestinian encampment started April 25. Indiana State Police and IU Police Department, under the direction of IU administration, arrested 57 protesters April 25 and 27.
IU faculty have since called on Whitten and Shrivastav to resign or be removed through votes and statements.
According to Whitten’s contract, which was obtained by Indiana Public Media, the Board of Trustees has the power to end her employment.
The current IU Board of Trustees released a statement May 15 in support of IU President Pamela Whitten.
The Indiana Daily Student asked each candidate about their stances on the encampment and arrests in Dunn Meadow April 25 and 27, the Indiana Graduate Workers Coalition strike and calls for Whitten and Shrivastav to resign.
Here are the 12 alumni running for the open position:
Jill Maurer Burnett
Burnett graduated from IU with a Bachelor of Science degree in business in 1997 and is the daughter of Michael Maurer, the namesake of IU Maurer School of Law. She is the president of the Maurer Family Foundation and the president of Women for Riley.
Burnett also serves as a board member for Discovering Broadway, Cancer Support Community, Indianapolis Zoo and Hooverwood Living.
“Students on our IU campuses should feel protected, seen and heard by their administration,” she wrote in her candidate statement. “IU’s high standards should continue to be raised to attract well-rounded, capable students who graduate and impact the world – their time at IU being just the beginning of their success. I will take this responsibility seriously.”
Burnett did not comment on the ongoing Dunn Meadow encampment on campus, the IGWC strike and calls for Whitten and Shrivastav to resign by the time of publication.
Raymond E. Dusman
Dusman earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in biological sciences and chemistry from IU in 1979. He is the president of physician and clinical enterprise at Parkview Health in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
He also serves as vice-chairman of the Parkview Health Board of Directors and a board member for Erin’s House for Grieving Children and the YMCA of Greater Fort Wayne.
“It is an honor to be nominated and stand for election as the alumni selection for trustee of Indiana University,” he wrote in his candidate statement. “I appreciate the opportunity to share how my interests, skills and experience can help Indiana University as a trustee.”
Dusman is a part of IU’s Well House Society, Alumni Association and Varsity Club. He was inducted into the IU President’s Circle in 2013.
The President’s Circle honors donors who give at least $100,000 to the university, according to IU’s website.
“My interest is simple — being able to give back to the university a unique perspective as a physician, healthcare and community leader, educator, and long-standing supporter of IU,” he wrote. “If elected, I would be the only physician and trustee from northeast Indiana, providing a balance and expertise that would complement fellow trustees and university executives as they tackle known and future challenges, and continue to strengthen the university to thrive for decades to come.”
As for the ongoing Dunn Meadow encampment on campus and the April 25 and 27 arrests, Dusman wrote he supports protests and expression of opinion.
“Since I wasn’t part of real-time discussions as events and decision-making unfolded, I do not wish to speculate or make assumptions that might be incorrect,” he wrote in a statement to the IDS. “The campus should be a safe environment for all students, faculty, administration and staff. I support protest and expression of opinions that are important for social awareness and contributing to a healthy and diverse community. All students should feel safe and their own individual goals for their education should be facilitated without interference by others. The administration has a responsibility to ensure safety.”
He also wrote he needs more information about the calls for Whitten and Shrivastav to resign.
“I support a strong and collaborative relationship with university leadership and faculty—to the benefit of the students,” he wrote. “I would need to better understand the issues causing the current divide amongst certain stakeholders. I would support from the trustee position the needed resources to rebuild trust, collaboration, and alignment of the goals and strategic priorities of the university with all stakeholders.”
Andrew Flittner
Flittner graduated from IU in 2005 with a Bachelor of Science degree in management. He also earned a master’s degree in public health in 2008, a juris doctor in 2012 and master’s in public administration in 2022 from IU.
“I stand as a testament to the transformative power of an Indiana University education,” he wrote in his candidate statement. “My educational experience has equipped me with a broad perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing our beloved institution.
Flittner wrote he has traveled to all 92 counties in Indiana and understands the value of regional campuses. He also wrote IU is losing its status as the premier public university in Indiana.
“I am committed to improving our competitive standing academically, culturally and in athletics,” he wrote. “It's essential that our IU degrees not only retain their value but also gain prestige. This commitment to excellence is what our students, faculty, and alumni deserve.”
He wrote his campaign is focused on three goals: academic excellence, accessibility and advocacy.
Examples include elevating academic standards, investing in research, retaining faculty, expanding scholarship opportunities, removing financial obstacles and advocating for career programs and services.
Flittner did not comment on the ongoing Dunn Meadow encampment on campus, the IGWC strike and calls for Whitten and Shrivastav to resign by time of publication.
Phillip J. Fowler
Fowler earned a Bachelor of Science degree in business, economics and public policy from IU in 1994. He is the senior vice president and general counsel at the Indiana Economic Development Corporation.
“As a young man from the small Southern Indiana town of Clarksville, Indiana University represented the promise for the chance at a brighter future,” he wrote in his candidate statement. “As the first person in my family to graduate from college, IU delivered on that promise, and then some. I want to serve as a Trustee to ensure that same dream is fulfilled for all IU students and their families.”
He wrote he would focus on three areas during his term: improving IU’s brand, creating better careers and building Indiana’s economy.
Improving IU’s brand starts with a task force and measurable action plan, according to Fowler. He wrote the perception of IU is important and affects recruitment of students and faculty and the value of IU degrees.
As for creating better careers and building Indiana’s economy, he wrote he wants all major and degree programs to emphasize career training, practical skills and career placement services.
“There is so much to love about our alma mater, but we cannot be complacent,” he wrote. “We must work harder to improve our rankings, better serve our students with career readiness and placement, and prepare for and help build the economy of the future.”
Fowler did not comment on the ongoing Dunn Meadow encampment on campus, the IGWC strike and calls for Whitten and Shrivastav to resign by time of publication.
Robin A. Hall
Hall graduated from IU in 1980 with a Bachelor of Science degree in finance. He is the founder, principal and executive management director of Premier Wealth Advisors in Indianapolis.
“My pledge is to serve a single three-year term as a member of the Board of Trustees,” he wrote in his candidate statement. “I believe it is in the best interest of Indiana University to always engage new leaders with fresh ideas and perspective which is accomplished by refreshing the talent serving in the Trustee positions.”
He also wrote he pledges not to accept compensation, stipends or reimbursements as a trustee. According to IU Board of Trustees’ website, members do not receive compensation but are paid “a small per diem when fulfilling their responsibilities.” All board activity expenses are covered.
“I am seeking this position not for personal gain but because of my love of Indiana University and I want to repay the University for not only preparing me for a career but for life in general,” he wrote.
As for the ongoing Dunn Meadow encampment on campus and calls for Whitten and Shrivastav to resign, Hall wrote the IU Board of Trustees needs to rebuild trust.
“I see the common issue surrounding the recent events at IU as the erosion of trust in university governance, and I think it will need to be the primary goal of the IU Board of Trustees to rebuild that trust,.” he wrote in a statement to the IDS. “To me, that means ensuring transparency of the board and administrative actions, upholding IU’s shared-governance values, and taking firm action to demonstrate the university’s commitment to both the civil liberties and the safety of all members of the IU community.”
He wrote he thinks IU made mistakes regarding the arrest of 57 protesters on April 25 and 27.
“What I do know, however, is that the university deployed a troubling level of force in removing students and faculty who based on the information I have seen reported, and upon observing the Dunn Meadow ‘encampment’ myself, were exercising their right to protest peacefully in accordance with longstanding university policy,” he wrote. “As a trustee, I would recommend a full, independent investigation to determine whether that level of force was warranted under the circumstances, and I believe the board has a duty to deal with the relevant parties in a manner consistent with the investigation’s findings. I am not naïve to the fact that such investigations are often used as a means to avoid accountability; however, the entire board could choose to actively participate and conduct the investigation in a manner that actually sheds light on what mistakes were made and why.”
Hall also wrote the investigation should include a review of the change to the 1969 Dunn Meadow policy by the “ad hoc committee.”
The current IU Board of Trustees asked Whitten to commission an independent review of the “campus climate,” according to a statement released May 15. The statement did not clarify who will conduct the review or what the review process will entail.
As for the calls for Whitten and Shrivastav to resign, Hall wrote he needs more information.
“While I believe poor decisions were made in the handling of the Dunn Meadow protests by the administration, I am not at this point in time in a position to call for the termination of President Whitten, or the other specific members of the administration, until I have had a chance to do my own personal due diligence including a review all the facts surrounding their decisions,” he wrote.
Hall also wrote about the IGWC strike, writing graduate workers deserve an equitable solution.
“As for the ongoing disputes concerning graduate workers, I fully believe that the graduate workers deserve fair compensation and working conditions on par with our Big Ten peers,” he wrote. “I was happy to see that the administration at the Bloomington campus was able to significantly increase graduate workers' pay in the last two years, and I want to ensure that the university reaches equitable solutions to the remaining disagreements, whether that means establishing a union or not.”
Rebecca Mateja Lombardini
Lombardini earned a master’s degree in public affairs from IU Northwest in 1996. She is the owner and founder of Vision Quest, a consulting business.
“My goal for the students as a trustee would be to support a safe environment rich with learning, culture, and kindness,” she wrote in her candidate statement. “My votes will be cast with research and reflection to represent the best possible decision for the students of Indiana University at all of the nine campuses.”
She wrote she taught and volunteer coached 10,000 student athletes at IU Northwest and in northwest Indiana over the past 25 years.
“I believe that my unique blend of education, experience, and energy would be of great value to IU, the students, and learning in general,” she wrote.
As for the ongoing Dunn Meadow encampment on campus, Lombardini wrote she visited the encampment.
“People have the right to peaceful protest, and I would prefer there be no violence on anyone’s part,” she wrote in a statement to the IDS. “I would encourage a proactive approach such as a town hall to speak to one another and prevent misunderstandings.”
She also wrote she talked to graduate workers and understands their demands.
The IGWC delivered a letter to Whitten Jan. 16 and organized a strike from April 17-19, demanding wage increases and union recognition.
“I advocate for living wage jobs,” she wrote. “They said more importantly they wanted a seat at the table to be involved in discussions.”
As for calls for Whitten and Shrivastav to resign, Lombardini wrote she needs more information and input before deciding her stance.
“When speaking with IU associates, especially since earning a spot on the ballot, I have asked about the situation,” she wrote. “And with due diligence found that there are credible concerns. I would like to speak with more of the leadership to get their input.”
John McGlothlin III
McGlothlin III graduated from IU with a Master of Arts degree in English in 2011 and a doctoral degree in English in 2016. He is a financial planner at Southwest Retirement Advisers and a board member for Open Door Preschools, a non-profit school in Austin, Texas.
“I believe equal access to quality education is not simply an ideal to which institutions like IU must aspire, but a necessity,” he wrote in his candidate statement. “Study after study demonstrates that education offers a tremendous ‘bang for your buck’ when it comes to investing in the health of our economy and our social welfare.”
He also wrote he would ensure graduate students and faculty are a central concern. McGlothlin III served as assistant director of composition in IU’s Department of English as a graduate student and served as an assistant coordinator for J101, a course for first-generation college students.
“In my experience, the most impactful boards contain members who are deeply committed to their organizations, who understand how to work together effectively, and who know how and when to question one another,” he wrote. “I am committed to dedicating the time, research, and engagement required to ensuring the Board develops the best possible outcomes for IU’s vast community of stakeholders.”
McGlothlin III did not comment on the ongoing Dunn Meadow encampment on campus, the IGWC strike and calls for Whitten and Shrivastav to resign by time of publication.
Joseph Meek
Meek earned a Bachelor of Science degree in biology in 1986 and a doctorate of dentist surgery in 1990 from IU. He is a dentist in Greenwood, Indiana, and was inducted into the President’s Circle in 2022.
“Despite IU’s prestigious standing and its expansive student body, the university faces challenges with enrollment decline and financial sustainability being paramount among them,” he wrote in his candidate statement. “The financial burdens of higher education, exacerbated by tuition increases and escalating student debt, necessitate a strategic reevaluation of how we ensure the accessibility and affordability of an IU education.”
Meek wrote the absence of a medical professional in the current IU Board of Trustees is a significant oversight. He also wrote he values frugality, particularly in financial management.
“This principle isn't just about pinching pennies; it's about making thoughtful, strategic decisions that benefit both individuals and organizations alike,” he wrote. “In my practice, I always prioritize my patients' well-being, not just medically, but also financially. This same ethos should guide the financial decisions of institutions like universities.”
Meek did not comment on the ongoing Dunn Meadow encampment on campus, the IGWC strike and calls for Whitten and Shrivastav to resign by time of publication.
Christina Mendoza
Mendoza graduated from IU with a Bachelor of Science degree in public affairs in 2000 and is senior executive assistant to the executive vice president, chief people officer, chief of strategy, partnerships and towers and director of diversity, equity and inclusion at UScellular.
She is also an IU O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs alumni board member and a mentor for Big Shoulders Fund, an organization that provides support to Chicago-area schools.
“I have gained extensive knowledge through all of my experiences at UScellular and volunteering my time,” she wrote in her candidate statement. “I am extremely excited to be a knowledgeable resource if elected to IU’s Board of Trustees. My goal is to be an ally and voice for all humans - this includes students, administration, professors, and alumni.”
As for the ongoing Dunn Meadow encampment on campus and calls for Whitten and Shrivastav to resign, Mendoza wrote she has much to learn.
“If I'm elected to the board, my goal is to continue to educate myself on happenings across all nine campuses,” she wrote in a statement to the IDS. “I intend to be a good listener, have impactful conversations, ask critical questions, and always be open to new thoughts or ideas.”
She also wrote she does not have enough information to decide a stance.
“At this moment, I feel it would be unfair for me to choose any side, as I need to learn more details to ensure I make an informed decision. The situation in Bloomington and numerous other college campuses is an important concern which warrants urgent attention. Please know I want what is best for IU's entire population, and I look forward to bringing a fresh new voice to the BOT.”
Jeremy A. Morris
Morris has served on the IU Board of Trustees since 2021 and is running for a second term. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in African American and African Diaspora studies in 2005, a master’s degree in higher education and student affairs administration in 2007 and a juris doctor in 2014 from IU.
“In my second term, I am committed to continuing this momentum, focusing on initiatives to recruit and retain top faculty, expand our research endeavors, and further our engagement with the state of Indiana through economic partnerships and talent development,” he wrote in his candidate statement. “With your continued support, I am confident that we can build upon our successes and ensure a bright future for Indiana University.”
He serves as senior counsel at Taft Law in Indianapolis and Washington, D.C. He wrote he envisions IU as a leader in academic freedom and diversity, equity and inclusion.
Regarding academic freedom, Morris referenced Senate Bill 202 in his statement, which passed in March 2024. The bill increased the state legislature’s oversight on Indiana’s public universities and changed the criteria for tenure.
“I will continue working with IU leadership to ensure IU develops policies consistent with the law while simultaneously leveraging our IU Mission and Core Values, which places our students, faculty, staff, and alumni at the center of everything we do,” he wrote.
He also wrote he does not want to lose sight of diversity, equity and inclusion.
“It’s undeniable that today’s students are seeking an environment where they feel a sense of belonging and where their values are respected, notwithstanding of others’ opinions,” he wrote. “I wholeheartedly support this sentiment.”
Morris and the current IU Board of Trustees released a statement May 15 in support of IU President Pamela Whitten.
Morris did not comment individually on the ongoing Dunn Meadow encampment on campus, the IGWC strike and calls for Whitten and Shrivastav to resign by time of publication.
Patricia Mota
Mota graduated from IU with Bachelor of Arts degrees in Spanish and communication and culture in 2007 and a master’s degree in public affairs in 2010. She is president and CEO of the Hispanic Alliance for Career Enhancement in Chicago and co-founded SHENIX, a financial technology company.
“I am inspired by the opportunity to contribute to the university's continued growth and success,” she wrote in her candidate statement. “I firmly believe that diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging are foundational principles that must guide our decision-making processes. If selected, I will bring a unique perspective shaped by my diverse background and experiences, ensuring that the voices of all stakeholders are heard and valued.”
She wrote she is committed to fostering a culture of collaboration, transparency and accountability.
“By leveraging my leadership experience, strategic vision, and dedication to serving others, I am confident that I can make meaningful contributions to the Board of Trustees and help shape a brighter future for Indiana University,” she wrote.
Mota did not comment on the ongoing Dunn Meadow encampment on campus, the IGWC strike and calls for Whitten and Shrivastav to resign by time of publication.
Ellise Antoinette Smith
Smith earned a master’s degree in higher education and student affairs in 2018 from IU and is the director of diversity, equity and inclusion at IU Indianapolis.
“As an activist and champion for DEI, I use my work and research around identities to challenge systems that continue to exclude and erase the diversity and experiences of people,” she wrote in her candidate statement.
She wrote she will listen and gather information as a trustee and create fair and just systems.
“The work is not easy,” she wrote. “The work will not happen overnight. The work will force us to take a deep look at ourselves in ways that we may or may not have imagined.”
As for the ongoing Dunn Meadow encampment on campus and calls for Whitten and Shrivastav to resign, Smith wrote she wants more action from IU’s administration.
“IU’s leadership needs to set aside the desire to be reactive and defensive and listen to the community it has been charged to serve,” she wrote in a statement to the IDS. “I often remind myself and other leaders on our campuses that we have a responsibility in our leadership to make change. We may hear things that are hard to digest, we may disagree, we may even have to make difficult decisions, but ultimately, we must make change that serves the voices that are silenced. If we do a historic review, the concerns and cries we are hearing are not new. Now is the time to move beyond lip-service and fear and lean into intentional action.”
She also wrote the way IU handled the Dunn Meadow encampment was a missed opportunity.
“I want to acknowledge those who were impacted by these decisions and let them know members of our university recognize the harm they experienced,” she wrote. “As a member, from multiple lens, of the IU community there was an opportunity for our administration to become intentionally engaged with the protesters to learn more. Our administration could have used this space to listen to the concerns of those involved and better understood their anticipated outcomes.”
She also referenced the IGWC strike and wrote graduate students are vital to the university.
“As a former graduate student at IU, I would approach this from an equity minded framework,” she wrote. “As a university, we heavily rely on the graduate student workforce to engage in research, provide teaching, and continue to be the beating pulse of our institution. [...] There is an opportunity to seek compromise in order to provide these students with the support they need, just as they provide for our university.”
