The University of Indianapolis is announcing today former Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard will join the institution as a Visiting Fellow of the Institute for Civic Leadership & Mayoral Archives. Ballard’s role will bring a new dimension to the Mayoral Archives, which are overseen by Professor of History Edward Frantz and maintained by UIndy’s Krannert Memorial Library.
UIndy says Ballard also will advance thought leadership strategies to convene conversations with local and national leaders on issues facing U.S. cities as well as advance the City of Indianapolis’ Mayoral Archives as a resource for officeholders, community leaders, researchers and students. His work will focus on themes that marked his years in office to impact quality of life in urban areas, including clean-energy solutions to public needs, new approaches to urban transportation and the value of global perspective and international collaboration.
“Former Mayor Ballard’s role continues a University of Indianapolis tradition of working closely with city leaders,” said University of Indianapolis President Robert L. Manuel. “He’s been a vital partner in UIndy’s efforts to enhance the quality of life in our own neighborhood and throughout Indianapolis. I’m looking forward to seeing firsthand his contributions to UIndy’s intellectual life and student learning opportunities, and I believe our partnership can make a national impact.”
All four of Ballard’s immediate predecessors – Richard Lugar, William Hudnut, Stephen Goldsmith and Bart Peterson – have served on the university’s Board of Trustees and entrusted their official papers and other materials to the archives. Lugar taught at UIndy before running for the U.S. Senate, and his annual symposium for Indiana high school students at the university will mark its 40th anniversary this year. In 2012, he partnered with UIndy to launch the Richard G. Lugar Academy. Hudnut also taught at UIndy and more recently has met with students, consulted on the archives and participated in oral history interviews with faculty.
Ballard, who delivered his 2014 State of the City address from the UIndy campus and also has donated his materials to the archives, said the university has the right infrastructure to support the contributions he has identified as a priority as a veteran of public service.
“I’ve enjoyed working with the University of Indianapolis on the many issues of concern we share,” he said. “This new relationship, drawing on the resources of the university, will provide a platform for national conversations on the future of urban life in our country.”
Ballard’s initial appointment begins today.
