Opinion: I visited all 92 counties. Here’s what Hoosiers want from Indiana University.

Note: This article appeared in the The Indianapolis Star on November 12, 2024.

As the state's flagship university, Indiana University plays a key role in the economic vitality and culture of the state. When I became IU president, I put forth an agenda to propel IU to new heights in student success, research and service to our great state.

With a sincere commitment to this vision, I contemplated how I could lead the extraordinary students, faculty, and staff of IU to succeed in these three goals. I realized that I needed to hear directly from citizens throughout our state. So, I packed my IU duffle bag and made it a priority to visit all of Indiana’s 92 counties.

I recognize that I may be among the few to intentionally visit all 92 counties with no political aspirations, but I would highly recommend this to all who call Indiana home. We live in a beautiful state with kind and thoughtful people.

During my trips, I had important conversations with the citizens of Indiana about how all nine of IU’s campuses can improve their lives. Through these visits, I saw firsthand how IU’s commitment to academic excellence, student success, transformative research, entrepreneurship and human capital development are enhancing communities in every corner of Indiana.

I also discovered opportunities for IU to do even more to elevate our state. (And I ate some amazing food — from the world-famous fried chicken at the family-owned Brau Haus in historic Oldenburg to the top-of-the-line steak at Third and Main Restaurant in vibrant Aurora.)

Hearing feedback from people throughout the state was crucial, because at a time when debates abound about the value of higher education, IU must play a key role in the future success of Indiana.

While I’m already looking forward to getting back on the road, here are five lessons I learned through these visits: 

• Workforce development remains one of our most important functions as a university. In town after town, I heard how IU graduates were shaping their communities. But, even as we celebrate this success, we must continue adapting our programs and curriculum to meet the changing needs of Indiana’s economy. That means establishing new degree programs in microelectronics and nanofabrication, AI and computer science, and cybersecurity risk management that prepare our students for lifelong success while contributing to the talent needs of our state. It also means collaborating with companies and institutional partners to create direct talent pipelines, through initiatives like our co-op partnership with Eli Lilly & Co. and our partnership with Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division to advance microelectronics research and national security innovation. 
  
  
• College readiness is imperative. If Indiana’s future depends on higher education, we must invest in our young people from the start. IU’s campuses are renowned for their ability to create economic mobility for graduates. But if a student shows up ill equipped for college coursework, that potential can be lost. I was heartened as educators across the state shared with me their deep commitment to setting students up for success. In Johnson County, I sat down with Franklin School Corp. leaders to discuss the expansion of IU Columbus’ seamless admissions program, which is designed to increase the area’s college-going rate. I met with senior executives at Boston Scientific’s principal manufacturing facility in Owen County, which seeks innovators and natural problem-solvers to help advance the newest and most effective biomedical technologies used to treat patients around the world. These discussions reinforced the importance for universities to be at the table for conversations about statewide college readiness and curriculum design. 
  
  
• Attraction and retention are crucial, for both talent and business. Indiana citizens want access to good-paying jobs and growth opportunities, affordable health care and housing, and cultural opportunities. Businesses want to locate where there are talented workers, solid infrastructure and a strong sense of place. IU has multiple roles to play on this front. I met with business and community leaders in Washington County, where IU’s Center for Rural Engagement continues to engage IU students and faculty on community projects designed to improve economic development and public health across the region. In Scott County, I met with IU Southeast alumna Jaime Toppe, whose work on “Forward Together,” a comprehensive revitalization study done in partnership with our New Albany-based campus, will help identify ways for the community to grow high-wage jobs, increase affordable housing, and support small business development. In Fulton County, I toured Woodlawn Hospital, where IU Kokomo graduate Paula McKinney continues to build and retain a resilient workforce of highly trained physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals. 
  
  
• We must continue to invest in Indiana’s thriving creative economy. After crisscrossing the crossroads of America, I can think of countless moments of beauty and artistic inspiration, like the historically significant Bill Garrett Mural in Shelby County or the spectacular works that capture the heart and history of Jefferson County by Eric Phagan, an award-winning graduate of IU Indianapolis’ Herron School of Art and Design. IU continues to build on our strong history of leading in the arts, with efforts like a new degree in music business that leverages the expertise of both the Kelley School of Business and the Jacobs School of Music.
  
  
• Hoosier Hospitality remains one of our greatest assets. On every visit I was struck by the kindness and sincerity with which Hoosiers spoke about their desires for their communities. Whether it was sipping coffee with friendly customers at the Sundog Café in Fowler or receiving a tour of New Castle High School’s impressive gymnasium, there were countless moments of welcome and shared interest. It is this identity that makes Indiana unique, and our collaborative spirit will help make our state stronger.  

I’m excited about what IU is doing to elevate our state. The conversations I had with Hoosiers from all walks of life and different backgrounds confirmed for me that the progress we are making toward our ambitious IU 2030 strategic plan is not just helping our students, but is leading to a stronger, more vibrant, and more prosperous Indiana.

Getting to hear firsthand how IU is making a difference in the everyday lives of Hoosiers only increased my love for this great university. And visiting all 92 counties made me grateful to call Indiana my home.

Pamela Whitten is president of Indiana University.