Morris begins presidential tenure with IU Trustees

By Susan Williams

'Indiana University is the most important institution in the state of Indiana and touches every single Hoosier every day.'

—James T. Morris

"I care deeply about Indiana University," Morris said recently. "It has been so important to our entire family. It is the most important institution in the state of Indiana and touches every single Hoosier every day. It offers the best opportunity I know to make a difference in the quality of life within the state of Indiana."

Morris was elected by IU alumni in 1996 for a term on the board set to end June 30, 2002, and just this past September became the board's president. He follows John Walda, who served as president for seven years. (See last week's Home Pages online for an interview with Walda:

http://www.homepages.indiana.edu/091401/text/passing.html

There have been no surprises for Morris as a member of the board. His expectations of a board focused on important issues were well placed.

"The board is focused on the high quality of the student experience, the quality of and support for the faculty and the contribution Indiana University is able to make to the state of Indiana and the communities we serve," he said, and added that Time magazine's recent recognition of IU as college of the year for its freshman support programs only substantiated what the board already knew to be true.

The rewards of service are great, according to Morris. And he speaks from experience. He has worked with various nonprofit and educational groups and institutions including Butler University, Christian Theological Seminary, Haskell Indiana College Foundation, Indiana State University, Indiana Pacer Foundation, McCormick Theological Seminary, NCAA Foundation, Rose Hulman Institute of Technology and United Way of Central Indiana. He was founder and executive committee member of the Indiana Sports Corporation, founder and co-chairman of Youthlinks Indiana and co-chairman for Indianapolis Campaign for Healthy Babies. He also has served as treasurer of the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) and Indiana chairman for USOC.

"Serving as a trustee of Indiana University means that you are a part of something very special," Morris said in explaining the rewards of service. "It means that you associate with remarkably good and talented people, and that you have an enormous opportunity to make a significant contribution and difference to the life of this institution."

As president, Morris brings a vision to the board that is not inconsistent with what other boards have wanted for the university. He expects IU to be recognized as "one of the great public institutions in the United States where students come first."

"I want our students to have the most extraordinary education experience possible so that they leave the university superbly well prepared to lead interesting, productive and honorable lives," Morris said. "My hope is that IU will continue to be a source of considerable pride for its alumni, our students and faculty, and the state of Indiana. The objective is for each part of Indiana University to achieve at a level that puts it among the best, and ultimately the collection of all of our programs produces a genuinely remarkable institution."