Greetings from the Paul H. O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs! It is a privilege to share some exciting updates and reflections on our journey together.
First, I would like to welcome Alyssa Osborne, our new executive director of development, who joined us in July. Alyssa has enjoyed a long career in similar roles, working with the IU Foundation from 2011–15 before becoming the director of development for major gifts with the College of Arts and Sciences. She also served as the interim director of development for the Hamilton Lugar School of Global and International Studies over the past year. We look forward to Alyssa expanding relationships and building new ones as we all work to support our students.
I extend my deepest thanks to Susan Johnson, whose passion as senior director for development during her 20-plus years at IU was an inspiration to all. We wish her all the best in retirement.
We’re also thrilled with the recent transition at our Indianapolis location that saw IUPUI become Indiana University Indianapolis. This transition marks a significant milestone in our history, and we have already gained distinction by establishing the first new degree at IUI, that of Community and Organizational Leadership Studies. Thank you so much to the generous individuals who have already endowed scholarships and provided support for students starting this program.
The school has seen tremendous growth, and I’m excited to welcome seven new faculty members this year. Enrollment at our Bloomington location is up 10%, with strong increases in our undergraduate student body, particularly in our majors in public finan- cial management, management, law and public policy, and healthcare management and policy. At our Indianapolis campus, our undergraduate enrollment is up 5% while our graduate enrollment is up 8%, with our programs in environmental sustainability and emergency management being notably strong this year.
I want to honor and reflect on the memory of Dean Emeritus Charles “Chuck” Bonser, the O’Neill School’s founding dean, who passed away on August 14, 2024. Chuck’s vision and leadership were instrumental in the creation and success of the O’Neill School, which he led for 17 years after its founding in 1972. Bonser’s legacy continues to shape our community.
Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt gratitude to our alumni. Your support, dedication, and achievements inspire us every day. Our rep- utation as the top public school for public affairs in the nation, our world-renowned research, and our incredible success in student employment have been built on the sup- port of our alumni. Thank you for your unwavering commitment to the O’Neill School. Together, we will continue to make a difference and create a brighter future for all.
Siân Mooney, Ph.D.
Dean