Below you will find a list of the current Senior Academy board officers. Click on the + icon to find contact information and learn more about the board member.
Email: ude[dot]ui[at]retropr
Unit/School Affiliation at Retirement: Former School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences
Biography: Becky’s affiliation with IUPUI began with her birth in Coleman Hospital for Women which is now Coleman Hall. Ironically, her career at IUPUI ended with an office in the same building after a long history of being connected with IUPUI. She started her college career with a summer course at the IU Extension in Indianapolis before spending two years at IU Bloomington returning to IUPUI to complete her B.S. in Physical Therapy (PT). She worked as a physical therapist at Riley Hospital for Children (which was still part of IU at that time), gradually began in assisting in the PT academic program, joined the faculty full-time, and evolved to the role of program director. Along the way she completed her Indiana University Masters in Allied Health Education and Ph.D. in Medical Neurobiology.
Her involvement with faculty governance included service as president of the IUPUI Faculty Council and co-secretary of the IU Faculty Council. This lead to service as a faculty liaison for IU President Myles Brand and faculty fellow with Dean of Faculties William Plater. In a career twist, she became the interim and then permanent associate vice chancellor for enrollment management at IUPUI. At the point of retirement, she had the opportunity to return to her home school as interim dean of the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences as it transitioned through its merger with the School of Physical Education and Tourism Management to become the School of Health & Human Services.
With this sense of IUPUI as home, she is delighted to remain engaged with the activities of the Senior Academy and welcomes you in joining us.
Unit/School Affiliation at Retirement: Former School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences
Biography: Becky’s affiliation with IUPUI began with her birth in Coleman Hospital for Women which is now Coleman Hall. Ironically, her career at IUPUI ended with an office in the same building after a long history of being connected with IUPUI. She started her college career with a summer course at the IU Extension in Indianapolis before spending two years at IU Bloomington returning to IUPUI to complete her B.S. in Physical Therapy (PT). She worked as a physical therapist at Riley Hospital for Children (which was still part of IU at that time), gradually began in assisting in the PT academic program, joined the faculty full-time, and evolved to the role of program director. Along the way she completed her Indiana University Masters in Allied Health Education and Ph.D. in Medical Neurobiology.
Her involvement with faculty governance included service as president of the IUPUI Faculty Council and co-secretary of the IU Faculty Council. This lead to service as a faculty liaison for IU President Myles Brand and faculty fellow with Dean of Faculties William Plater. In a career twist, she became the interim and then permanent associate vice chancellor for enrollment management at IUPUI. At the point of retirement, she had the opportunity to return to her home school as interim dean of the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences as it transitioned through its merger with the School of Physical Education and Tourism Management to become the School of Health & Human Services.
With this sense of IUPUI as home, she is delighted to remain engaged with the activities of the Senior Academy and welcomes you in joining us.
Email: ude[dot]ui[at]seneeuq
Unit/School Affiliation at Retirement: IUPUI Graduate Office, IU Graduate School, and School of Medicine
Additional Board Role: Representative – IUPUI Faculty Council
Biography: Dr. Sherry Queener came to the Department of Pharmacology of the IU School of Medicine in March of 1970, when IUPUI was a new-born entity on the west side of Indianapolis. She was placed on the tenure-track as a lecturer in 1971 and became full professor in the School of Medicine in 1984. Sherry served as director of graduate studies in her home department from 1985 through 1995, gaining vital experience in the structure and best practices for graduate programs. She was also an active researcher, operating her independently funded research laboratory from 1977 through 1999, when she became director of the IUPUI Graduate Office and associate dean of the University Graduate School and dropped her research activities to half-time.
Her most compelling activities as director of the Graduate Office at IUPUI involved helping the highly motivated and gifted faculty at IUPUI in building graduate programs on top of their highly successful undergraduate offerings. Her tenure in the Graduate Office from 1999 to 2014 saw the development and launch of numerous master level degrees and a significant number of Ph.D. degrees, including unique degrees such as the Ph.D. in Philanthropic Studies.
Dr. Queener retired in 2014 to the title of Grandma Sherry and is very proud to serve in that role to Irene born in 2014 and Levi born in 2017. IUPUI was a joyful place to grow and serve. Through the Senior Academy she is happy to be able to continue to serve in a quieter way, and to continue to interact with valued colleagues from all over campus.
Unit/School Affiliation at Retirement: IUPUI Graduate Office, IU Graduate School, and School of Medicine
Additional Board Role: Representative – IUPUI Faculty Council
Biography: Dr. Sherry Queener came to the Department of Pharmacology of the IU School of Medicine in March of 1970, when IUPUI was a new-born entity on the west side of Indianapolis. She was placed on the tenure-track as a lecturer in 1971 and became full professor in the School of Medicine in 1984. Sherry served as director of graduate studies in her home department from 1985 through 1995, gaining vital experience in the structure and best practices for graduate programs. She was also an active researcher, operating her independently funded research laboratory from 1977 through 1999, when she became director of the IUPUI Graduate Office and associate dean of the University Graduate School and dropped her research activities to half-time.
Her most compelling activities as director of the Graduate Office at IUPUI involved helping the highly motivated and gifted faculty at IUPUI in building graduate programs on top of their highly successful undergraduate offerings. Her tenure in the Graduate Office from 1999 to 2014 saw the development and launch of numerous master level degrees and a significant number of Ph.D. degrees, including unique degrees such as the Ph.D. in Philanthropic Studies.
Dr. Queener retired in 2014 to the title of Grandma Sherry and is very proud to serve in that role to Irene born in 2014 and Levi born in 2017. IUPUI was a joyful place to grow and serve. Through the Senior Academy she is happy to be able to continue to serve in a quieter way, and to continue to interact with valued colleagues from all over campus.
Email: ude[dot]iupui[at]iznevobg
Unit/School Affiliation at Retirement: Division of Finance and Administration
Additional Board Role: Chair – Finance Committee
Biography: Gabrielle Bovenzi is a project manager and team leader with extensive operational experience and has over three decades of service at IUPUI, many of which were leadership positions within student financial services. Gabrielle steered many initiatives which required expertise in business process design, analysis, and implementation of new practices. As assistant vice chancellor for administration and chief of staff for the Vice Chancellor of Finance and Administration, Gabrielle provided direction on varied division, campus, and university projects and committees to include Policy Advisory, Emergency Preparedness, Incident Management Executive Advisory, and Parking Advisory. In addition, Gabrielle had strategic oversight responsibilities for the Office of Sustainability and the Office for Intergroup Dialogue.
Gabrielle served six years as the Student Information System Student Financials (SIS SF) team lead on the successful multi-campus software (PeopleSoft) implementation. Concurrently, she served on the international PeopleSoft/Oracle Higher Education User's Group Product Advisory Group (HEUG PAG) for student financials. Gabrielle earned a Master of Business Administration from Indiana University and a certificate from Harvard’s Graduate School of Education Institute for Higher Education Management Development Program.
In retirement, Gabrielle has enjoyed time for family, travel, volunteering, and hiking with the Indianapolis Hiking Club.
Unit/School Affiliation at Retirement: Division of Finance and Administration
Additional Board Role: Chair – Finance Committee
Biography: Gabrielle Bovenzi is a project manager and team leader with extensive operational experience and has over three decades of service at IUPUI, many of which were leadership positions within student financial services. Gabrielle steered many initiatives which required expertise in business process design, analysis, and implementation of new practices. As assistant vice chancellor for administration and chief of staff for the Vice Chancellor of Finance and Administration, Gabrielle provided direction on varied division, campus, and university projects and committees to include Policy Advisory, Emergency Preparedness, Incident Management Executive Advisory, and Parking Advisory. In addition, Gabrielle had strategic oversight responsibilities for the Office of Sustainability and the Office for Intergroup Dialogue.
Gabrielle served six years as the Student Information System Student Financials (SIS SF) team lead on the successful multi-campus software (PeopleSoft) implementation. Concurrently, she served on the international PeopleSoft/Oracle Higher Education User's Group Product Advisory Group (HEUG PAG) for student financials. Gabrielle earned a Master of Business Administration from Indiana University and a certificate from Harvard’s Graduate School of Education Institute for Higher Education Management Development Program.
In retirement, Gabrielle has enjoyed time for family, travel, volunteering, and hiking with the Indianapolis Hiking Club.
Email: cfitzpat@iupui.edu
Unit/School Affiliation at Retirement: Office of the Chancellor
Additional Board Role: Chair – Spirit and Place Committee, Co-Chair – Philanthropic Outreach
Biography: Christine Fitzpatrick retired from IUPUI in 2019 after a career with Indiana University that spanned more than three decades. After graduating from Ball State University with an M.A. in English, Christine joined the School of Engineering and Technology at IUPUI as part-time lecturer of Technical Communication and an administrator, advancing to assistant dean for student and academic affairs. Having developed an interest in computers and writing during those years, Christine pursued and earned a doctorate in instructional systems technology with IU’s School of Education and found further opportunities to grow professionally with UITS and the Office of the Vice President for IT.
Christine’s third chapter at IUPUI began at the invitation of Nasser H. Paydar, in his role as executive vice chancellor and chief academic officer at IUPUI, and continued as his chief of staff in the Office of the Chancellor.
Now in a new life chapter, Christine is happy to be involved with IUPUI’s Senior Academy. She teaches online courses for the Technical Communication program, supports the arts, volunteers within her community, and enjoys spending time with her large extended family.
Unit/School Affiliation at Retirement: Office of the Chancellor
Additional Board Role: Chair – Spirit and Place Committee, Co-Chair – Philanthropic Outreach
Biography: Christine Fitzpatrick retired from IUPUI in 2019 after a career with Indiana University that spanned more than three decades. After graduating from Ball State University with an M.A. in English, Christine joined the School of Engineering and Technology at IUPUI as part-time lecturer of Technical Communication and an administrator, advancing to assistant dean for student and academic affairs. Having developed an interest in computers and writing during those years, Christine pursued and earned a doctorate in instructional systems technology with IU’s School of Education and found further opportunities to grow professionally with UITS and the Office of the Vice President for IT.
Christine’s third chapter at IUPUI began at the invitation of Nasser H. Paydar, in his role as executive vice chancellor and chief academic officer at IUPUI, and continued as his chief of staff in the Office of the Chancellor.
Now in a new life chapter, Christine is happy to be involved with IUPUI’s Senior Academy. She teaches online courses for the Technical Communication program, supports the arts, volunteers within her community, and enjoys spending time with her large extended family.
Email: ude[dot]ui[at]rellimg
Unit/School Affiliation at Retirement: IUPUC
Additional Board Role: Representative – University Relations
Biography: Georgia Blair Miller (Ed.D. University of Kentucky) began her IU career in 1976 as one of the first three female tenure-track faculty in the School of Business at IU Bloomington. She moved to IUPUI a few years later as assistant dean, where administrative leadership and undergraduate program development introduced her to the exciting early days of IUPUI. By the early 90’s, her involvement in information technology led to a role as director of integrated technologies, focusing on internal systems and on community relations as the Mayor’s High Tech Task Force worked to position Indy as a leader in this developing technology world.
As a teacher educator, she taught many high school teachers about teaching in this new business education field of information systems/technology. On a national level, she was a leader in the development of an administrative systems college curriculum - structure and content, including support of development of textbooks.
Local, regional, and national/international leadership in DPMA (now ITPA) with about 50,000 members at the time was useful experience in working with and managing diverse groups of people, planning and implementation of annual and long-term work, and working with boards, volunteers, and staff. She has served on boards of other local and national business, education, and civic groups, and has been recognized for outstanding service in education and business.
During the last decade or so before retirement in 2011, she moved to IUPUC, creating the BS and MBA business programs as division head as well as the Center for Business and Economic Development. At campus level, she served as senior advisor to the vice chancellor and dean, primarily related to external relations.
Unit/School Affiliation at Retirement: IUPUC
Additional Board Role: Representative – University Relations
Biography: Georgia Blair Miller (Ed.D. University of Kentucky) began her IU career in 1976 as one of the first three female tenure-track faculty in the School of Business at IU Bloomington. She moved to IUPUI a few years later as assistant dean, where administrative leadership and undergraduate program development introduced her to the exciting early days of IUPUI. By the early 90’s, her involvement in information technology led to a role as director of integrated technologies, focusing on internal systems and on community relations as the Mayor’s High Tech Task Force worked to position Indy as a leader in this developing technology world.
As a teacher educator, she taught many high school teachers about teaching in this new business education field of information systems/technology. On a national level, she was a leader in the development of an administrative systems college curriculum - structure and content, including support of development of textbooks.
Local, regional, and national/international leadership in DPMA (now ITPA) with about 50,000 members at the time was useful experience in working with and managing diverse groups of people, planning and implementation of annual and long-term work, and working with boards, volunteers, and staff. She has served on boards of other local and national business, education, and civic groups, and has been recognized for outstanding service in education and business.
During the last decade or so before retirement in 2011, she moved to IUPUC, creating the BS and MBA business programs as division head as well as the Center for Business and Economic Development. At campus level, she served as senior advisor to the vice chancellor and dean, primarily related to external relations.
Below you will find a list of the current Senior Academy board members.
Email: ude[dot]iupui[at]2rekabss
Unit/School Affiliation at Retirement: School of Medicine, University College, and former School of Allied Health (now merged with School of Health and Human Sciences)
Additional Board Role: Chair – Commmunication Committee
Biography: Sarah’s affiliation with IUPUI began in the early seventies with enrollment in the Radiologic Sciences program. Upon finishing school, she worked in radiology at Wishard Hospital (formally Marion County General Hospital and now Eskenazi) and continued her studies to complete baccalaureate and master’s degrees. In the mid-seventies she accepted a clinical teaching position within the Radiologic Science program focusing on pediatrics. Sarah later moved to didactic teaching in the program which she continued until retirement.
Parallel to her teaching position, Sarah became professionally involved in radiologic technology holding offices at the local, state, and national levels. At the national level Sarah became president of the American Society of Radiologic Technology (ASRT). This service was followed by appointment to the national programmatic accreditation body for radiologic sciences. At this time Sarah decided to continue her education and completed a doctorate in higher education administration with a minor in curriculum studies.
Sarah was one of two faculty appointed by the School of Allied Health as founding faculty to University College (UC) in 1997. Early in her UC tenure, she served on a variety of UC committees and was later appointed interim associate dean of academic affairs of UC. This was followed by formal appointment to this role in a split position which enabled her to continue teaching in the radiologic science program. Sarah’s service expanded to a variety of committees, including faculty council and general education.
In retirement she enjoys traveling and water aerobics.
Unit/School Affiliation at Retirement: School of Medicine, University College, and former School of Allied Health (now merged with School of Health and Human Sciences)
Additional Board Role: Chair – Commmunication Committee
Biography: Sarah’s affiliation with IUPUI began in the early seventies with enrollment in the Radiologic Sciences program. Upon finishing school, she worked in radiology at Wishard Hospital (formally Marion County General Hospital and now Eskenazi) and continued her studies to complete baccalaureate and master’s degrees. In the mid-seventies she accepted a clinical teaching position within the Radiologic Science program focusing on pediatrics. Sarah later moved to didactic teaching in the program which she continued until retirement.
Parallel to her teaching position, Sarah became professionally involved in radiologic technology holding offices at the local, state, and national levels. At the national level Sarah became president of the American Society of Radiologic Technology (ASRT). This service was followed by appointment to the national programmatic accreditation body for radiologic sciences. At this time Sarah decided to continue her education and completed a doctorate in higher education administration with a minor in curriculum studies.
Sarah was one of two faculty appointed by the School of Allied Health as founding faculty to University College (UC) in 1997. Early in her UC tenure, she served on a variety of UC committees and was later appointed interim associate dean of academic affairs of UC. This was followed by formal appointment to this role in a split position which enabled her to continue teaching in the radiologic science program. Sarah’s service expanded to a variety of committees, including faculty council and general education.
In retirement she enjoys traveling and water aerobics.
Email: ude[dot]iupui[at]amkcalbl
Unit/School Affiliation at Retirement: School of Social Work
Biography: Lorraine C. Blackman is a native of Nashville, Tennessee. She is a graduate of Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, The University of Tennessee, and Florida State University. Her clinical and administrative practice in the field of mental health spans more than 40 years. The scope of her practice has included individual, marital, family, and group therapy, family life education, employee assistance, consultation, and administration.
She served the Nashville Veterans Administration Medical Center for 9 years in Social Work Service, as a treatment coordinator on Mental Health and Behavioral Services, and as the Employee Assistance Coordinator for the medical center. She consulted with the Congressional Black Caucus Veterans Braintrust to improve services to Black veterans and their families. Invited by Congressperson Julia Carson (D-IN), she also presented to the CBC on domestic violence as a public health crisis.
Her consultative services extended also to the University of Ljubljana School of Social Work (Slovenia), U.S. Department of Human Services, Annie E. Casey Foundation, Urban Institute, and the Indiana General Assembly. The focus of her work was on improving the quality of life for children, couples, and families.
A member of the faculty of the Indiana University School of Social Work since 1992, she holds the rank of Associate Professor Emeritus, retiring in 2014. To build professional capacity in Indiana to provide ethnic and gender sensitive family life education, one of her major accomplishments was to provide leadership to develop campus-wide undergraduate and graduate certificate programs in Family Life Education.
Additionally, the continuation of her doctoral research at Indiana University culminated in the publication of two family life education curricula: The African American Marriage Enrichment Program: How to Make Your Good Thing Better and The African American Parent Training Program: Pulling Together to Rear Our Children - They Grow Up Only Once!. Both curricula are available through the African American Family Life Education Institute, LLC.
The Indiana University phase was a collaborative partnership among the IU School of Social Work, the Father Resource Program at Wishard Health Services, the M.L. King Center, and Robinson Community AME Church. The research partnership was funded by the Lily Endowment, Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (TANF), the Moriah Fund, and the Indianapolis Foundation. It included five graduate fellowships for African American students who earned both the MSW and the graduate certificate in Family Life Education.
At the African American Healthy Marriage Research Conference in 2009, she was recognized nationally as a “pioneer” in marriage education for African Americans and a trusted consultant on family policy at the state and local levels. As an expert in this area, Dr. Blackman was invited to co-author two cutting edge, nationally acclaimed publications:
- Blackman, L; Clayton, O.; Glenn, N.; Malone-Colon, L.; and Roberts, A. (2005). The Consequences of Marriage for African Americans. New York: Institute for American Values.
- Aird, E. G.; Blackman, L.C.; Clayton, O.; and Robinson, R. (2006). Strengthening the Family: Our Foundational Covenant. Cambridge, MA: Jamestown Project Press.
See https://drive.google.com/open?id=1jA-yzM3Sm7_Nl43Jyt9S265nP2RFsk8e.
Dr. Blackman also was recognized by the IUPUI campus as a featured scholar whose “translation of research into curricula to address family life issues is another excellent example of how IUPUI's faculty members are TRANSLATING their RESEARCH INTO PRACTICE.”
Since becoming an emeritus faculty member, Dr. Blackman has continued clinical practice with families, tutoring MSW’s for the Licensed Clinical Social Worker examination, and serving on the board of the IUPUI Senior Academy (2014-2019). In her board capacity, she led the planning and implementation of a symposium entitled “Reducing Depression and Suicide among Children and Adolescents in Indiana: A Panel Discussion on What Works held in the IUPUI Campus Center (Click here to view handouts from the event) and a professional development luncheon entitled, “Defeating Cyber Insecurity (Click here to view handouts from the event).’ She also served as an invited consultant to the Pike Township Committee to Support Women Veterans
Appreciation Retreat 2018 (See https://drive.google.com/open?id=1MI3XmWck3YHcqCU-6fSB3I_xVcE95gSG). The goal of the retreat was to empower women veterans to be productive family and community members.
To strengthen families, Dr. Blackman’s extensive curriculum vitae demonstrates her strong public health perspective. Therefore, her teaching, research and service have spanned a broad array of subjects including unwanted pregnancies and babies; family violence, community violence, HIV-AIDS among 10-17-year old’s, as well as veterans’ mental health. The faith community has been a consistent, integral partner in her career.
Curriculum Vitae Available Upon Request
Email: ude[dot]ui[at]ieallas
Unit/School Affiliation at Retirement: Office of International Affairs
Email: ude[dot]iupui[at]nallohs
Unit/School Affiliation at Retirement: IUPUI Alumni Relations
Additional Board Role: Chair – Bepko Medallion Committee
Biography: Sharon Holland came to IUPUI in 1971, and in 1973, she moved to the IUPUI Office of Alumni Relations as office manager, where she remained for the duration of her career, retiring in January 2020 as director of alumni and special programs. Throughout her time at IUPUI, Sharon worked directly with a number of IUPUI school-based alumni groups, as well as with the Central Indiana Chapter of the IU Alumni Association.
Beginning in 1974, Sharon became integrally involved in the presentation of IUPUI Commencement. Within a few years, she took on local responsibility for the university ceremonies and the individual school ceremonies, working with a campus Commencement Committee comprised of representatives from each academic unit. In addition, she oversaw the ordering and distribution of academic apparel for both students and faculty, coordinated content of the printed program, worked with members of the committee on their respective needs for individual school ceremonies and coordinated this information with assigned staff at the Indiana Convention Center—the site of all ceremonies. Working with other Alumni Office staff as well as individuals on the Bloomington campus, she oversaw setup for all ceremonies at the Convention Center on commencement weekend as well as production of the university ceremonies, including coordinating information and contact with members of the platform party.
Sharon also played a pivotal role in the creation and execution of the first 10 years of the IUPUI Regatta, now a function of the IUPUI Division of Student Affairs. An additional aspect of her career, and one of which she is very fond, was responsibility for the IUPUI/IU Calliope, a steam-powered instrument mounted in a circus wagon, which was built on the IUPUI campus by the Alumni Office—with help from several other units on campus—for entry to the 500 Festival Parade in 1976. Following that appearance, the Calliope was made available by the Indianapolis Alumni Office to other parades, mostly in Indiana. Scheduling, staffing, and maintaining the Calliope was Sharon’s responsibility for a good part of its existence. The Calliope is owned by the IU Alumni Association and is currently stored in Bloomington.
Sharon has been blessed with the opportunity to have a varied and fulfilling career at IUPUI, not the least of which was the chance to get to know so many wonderful colleagues, a number of whom are already on this board!
Unit/School Affiliation at Retirement: IUPUI Alumni Relations
Additional Board Role: Chair – Bepko Medallion Committee
Biography: Sharon Holland came to IUPUI in 1971, and in 1973, she moved to the IUPUI Office of Alumni Relations as office manager, where she remained for the duration of her career, retiring in January 2020 as director of alumni and special programs. Throughout her time at IUPUI, Sharon worked directly with a number of IUPUI school-based alumni groups, as well as with the Central Indiana Chapter of the IU Alumni Association.
Beginning in 1974, Sharon became integrally involved in the presentation of IUPUI Commencement. Within a few years, she took on local responsibility for the university ceremonies and the individual school ceremonies, working with a campus Commencement Committee comprised of representatives from each academic unit. In addition, she oversaw the ordering and distribution of academic apparel for both students and faculty, coordinated content of the printed program, worked with members of the committee on their respective needs for individual school ceremonies and coordinated this information with assigned staff at the Indiana Convention Center—the site of all ceremonies. Working with other Alumni Office staff as well as individuals on the Bloomington campus, she oversaw setup for all ceremonies at the Convention Center on commencement weekend as well as production of the university ceremonies, including coordinating information and contact with members of the platform party.
Sharon also played a pivotal role in the creation and execution of the first 10 years of the IUPUI Regatta, now a function of the IUPUI Division of Student Affairs. An additional aspect of her career, and one of which she is very fond, was responsibility for the IUPUI/IU Calliope, a steam-powered instrument mounted in a circus wagon, which was built on the IUPUI campus by the Alumni Office—with help from several other units on campus—for entry to the 500 Festival Parade in 1976. Following that appearance, the Calliope was made available by the Indianapolis Alumni Office to other parades, mostly in Indiana. Scheduling, staffing, and maintaining the Calliope was Sharon’s responsibility for a good part of its existence. The Calliope is owned by the IU Alumni Association and is currently stored in Bloomington.
Sharon has been blessed with the opportunity to have a varied and fulfilling career at IUPUI, not the least of which was the chance to get to know so many wonderful colleagues, a number of whom are already on this board!
Email: ude[dot]iupui[at]lessikf
Unit/School Affiliation at Retirement: School of Liberal Arts
Additional Board Role: Chair – Membership Committee
Biography: Francia Kissel began her career at IUPUI as an associate faculty member, teaching writing courses in the Department of English. As a lecturer, then senior lecturer, in the Department of English, she expanded her repertoire to include courses in writing, literature, women’s studies, and the first-year seminar. Some of her most rewarding experiences were in Themed Learning Communities (TLCs), pairings of courses designed to ensure success of first-year students. Francia piloted TLCs which combined English with a number of other disciplines, including anthropology, women’s studies, museum studies, history, international studies, and more. Francia served the School of Liberal Arts as First-Year Experience coordinator for 12 years, shepherding the growth of the school’s Themed Learning Communities. She also served as lead advisor for the Department of English.
In her retirement, Francia missed students so much that she became a volunteer teacher for Exodus Refugee Immigration, teaching English to refugees from countries as far-flung as Myanmar, Afghanistan, and Democratic Republic of the Congo. To develop expertise in her new, volunteer profession, Francia enrolled in IUPUI’s TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) certificate program, using one of IU’s best perks – the tuition benefit.
Unit/School Affiliation at Retirement: School of Liberal Arts
Additional Board Role: Chair – Membership Committee
Biography: Francia Kissel began her career at IUPUI as an associate faculty member, teaching writing courses in the Department of English. As a lecturer, then senior lecturer, in the Department of English, she expanded her repertoire to include courses in writing, literature, women’s studies, and the first-year seminar. Some of her most rewarding experiences were in Themed Learning Communities (TLCs), pairings of courses designed to ensure success of first-year students. Francia piloted TLCs which combined English with a number of other disciplines, including anthropology, women’s studies, museum studies, history, international studies, and more. Francia served the School of Liberal Arts as First-Year Experience coordinator for 12 years, shepherding the growth of the school’s Themed Learning Communities. She also served as lead advisor for the Department of English.
In her retirement, Francia missed students so much that she became a volunteer teacher for Exodus Refugee Immigration, teaching English to refugees from countries as far-flung as Myanmar, Afghanistan, and Democratic Republic of the Congo. To develop expertise in her new, volunteer profession, Francia enrolled in IUPUI’s TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) certificate program, using one of IU’s best perks – the tuition benefit.
Email: ude[dot]ui[at]ohhcriks
Unit/School Affiliation at Retirement: School of Medicine
Additional Board Role: Chair – Scholarship Committee
Biography: Steve Kirchhoff served as director of Medical Service Learning in the Office of Medical Student Affairs at the School of Medicine (IUSM) from 2007 until his retirement in 2014. He previously served as the Office of Medical Service-Learning administrator and as a business manager in both the Department of Pediatrics and the Department of Medicine. He served as mentor, business manager, and project resource for medical student volunteer project leaders at the nine IUSM campuses. This position provided a challenging and rewarding opportunity to work closely with and support these future physicians as they further developed their community service ethic.
He has a special interest and expertise in nonprofit board governance having served in key board officer roles on a number of nonprofit agency boards. These boards included Mental Health America of Greater Indianapolis, the Indiana Schweitzer Fellows, the Christamore House Community Center (President), Metro Ministries (President), the Community Service Council, and the American Heart Association—Marion County Chapter. He also served as an agency evaluation site team member and leader for the United Way of Central Indiana.
Steve has continued to volunteer for a variety of organizations since retirement including the IUSM, the Metropolitan School District--Wayne Township, Families First, United Way of Central Indiana (Always United program), and Fairfield Friends. He also enjoys hiking with the Indianapolis Hiking Club and learning new languages.
He and his wife Venita live in Plainfield and have two grown children, Erin and Matt, and two granddaughters, Ada and Eleanor.
Unit/School Affiliation at Retirement: School of Medicine
Additional Board Role: Chair – Scholarship Committee
Biography: Steve Kirchhoff served as director of Medical Service Learning in the Office of Medical Student Affairs at the School of Medicine (IUSM) from 2007 until his retirement in 2014. He previously served as the Office of Medical Service-Learning administrator and as a business manager in both the Department of Pediatrics and the Department of Medicine. He served as mentor, business manager, and project resource for medical student volunteer project leaders at the nine IUSM campuses. This position provided a challenging and rewarding opportunity to work closely with and support these future physicians as they further developed their community service ethic.
He has a special interest and expertise in nonprofit board governance having served in key board officer roles on a number of nonprofit agency boards. These boards included Mental Health America of Greater Indianapolis, the Indiana Schweitzer Fellows, the Christamore House Community Center (President), Metro Ministries (President), the Community Service Council, and the American Heart Association—Marion County Chapter. He also served as an agency evaluation site team member and leader for the United Way of Central Indiana.
Steve has continued to volunteer for a variety of organizations since retirement including the IUSM, the Metropolitan School District--Wayne Township, Families First, United Way of Central Indiana (Always United program), and Fairfield Friends. He also enjoys hiking with the Indianapolis Hiking Club and learning new languages.
He and his wife Venita live in Plainfield and have two grown children, Erin and Matt, and two granddaughters, Ada and Eleanor.
Email: ude[dot]iupui[at]treborej
Unit/School Affiliation at Retirement: Herron School of Art + Design
Additional Board Role: Liaison – Chair, Last Lecture Committee
Biography: will be posted soon.
Unit/School Affiliation at Retirement: Herron School of Art + Design
Additional Board Role: Liaison – Chair, Last Lecture Committee
Biography: will be posted soon.
Email: ude[dot]ui[at]rentrev
Unit/School Affiliation at Retirement: Kelley School of Business
Additional Board Role: Chair – Programs/Social Events Committee
Biography: Russell’s collegiate education began at Western Kentucky University, where he received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and a commission as a Second Lieutenant in the US Army. After his military duty and several years in corporate America and city-county governance in computer systems support, his association with IUPUI began as the associate director for Systems in the Office of the Registrar. He worked there for several years. Desiring more student involvement and development, he was accepted into the IU School of Education’s College Student Personnel Administration (CSPA) Masters program. While enrolled, he was also accepted as a graduate assistant in the Offices of Undergraduate Admissions and Financial Aid.
Upon graduation from the CSPA program, he accepted a position as the associate director of admissions for the School of Medicine. After his Admissions Office experience, he joined the faculty and staff at the Kelley School of Business Indianapolis as a lecturer and program director for student diversity and program assessment, later being promoted to senior lecturer. Post retirement, Russell enjoys singing in one of two Motown cover bands and a Christian praise group, participating in two bible studies, and service in the Indianapolis Great Banquet ( a faith development community). He stays physically active by exercising at home, walking and riding his bike.
On the Senior Academy Board, he is a member of the communications and membership committees, where with the latter he serves as the project leader for development of all identified Interest Groups.
Unit/School Affiliation at Retirement: Kelley School of Business
Additional Board Role: Chair – Programs/Social Events Committee
Biography: Russell’s collegiate education began at Western Kentucky University, where he received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and a commission as a Second Lieutenant in the US Army. After his military duty and several years in corporate America and city-county governance in computer systems support, his association with IUPUI began as the associate director for Systems in the Office of the Registrar. He worked there for several years. Desiring more student involvement and development, he was accepted into the IU School of Education’s College Student Personnel Administration (CSPA) Masters program. While enrolled, he was also accepted as a graduate assistant in the Offices of Undergraduate Admissions and Financial Aid.
Upon graduation from the CSPA program, he accepted a position as the associate director of admissions for the School of Medicine. After his Admissions Office experience, he joined the faculty and staff at the Kelley School of Business Indianapolis as a lecturer and program director for student diversity and program assessment, later being promoted to senior lecturer. Post retirement, Russell enjoys singing in one of two Motown cover bands and a Christian praise group, participating in two bible studies, and service in the Indianapolis Great Banquet ( a faith development community). He stays physically active by exercising at home, walking and riding his bike.
On the Senior Academy Board, he is a member of the communications and membership committees, where with the latter he serves as the project leader for development of all identified Interest Groups.
Email: ude[dot]ui[at]norsobw
Unit/School Affiliation at Retirement: School of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Biography: William Bosron (Ph.D. in Biological Chemistry at University of Cincinnati, postdoctoral fellowship at Harvard Medical School) joined the School of Medicine (Departments of Biochemistry and of Medicine) on the IUPUI campus in 1975. He became Professor in 1986, Chancellor’s Professor in 2005 and retired in 2009. Bill had an active, funded research program (including an NIH MERIT award) until 2011. He particularly enjoyed mentoring Ph.D. and M.S. students in the laboratory.
Bill Served as Assistant Dean for Graduate Studies in the School of Medicine from 1994-2005, focusing on the development of the M.D.-Ph.D. and Master of Medical Sciences programs. He assisted faculty in developing NIH doctoral training grants. He served as Interim Dean in the IUPUI School of Science from 2006-8, enjoying the involvement with undergraduate and graduate programs at IUPUI. After retirement, Bill was a member of the IUPUI Senior Academy Board (2010-2014) and served as Board President from 2012-2013. Bill looks forward to reconnecting with the IUPUI Senior Academy Board as the campus faculty and staff move forward in the new partnership between Indiana University Indianapolis and Purdue University at Indianapolis.
Email: ude[dot]iupui[at]mmaln
Unit/School Affiliation at Retirement: School of Engineering and Technology
Biography: Nancy grew up in Indianapolis and began her university studies at Indiana University Bloomington, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in microbiology. Following work in both research and clinical lab positions, she decided on a different career path and enrolled at IUPUI in the Division of Engineering, earning both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in interdisciplinary engineering. After teaching part-time for several years, she received a lecturer appointment in the Freshman Engineering Program at IUPUI in 1988. Her duties included teaching, curriculum development, academic advising, and program administration. She served freshman engineering students in this position for 34 years, retiring in 2022. In addition to directing the Freshman Engineering Program, she served as Director of the School of Engineering and Technology Advising Center for several years and as the coordinator of IUPUI engineering dual degree programs with universities in Indiana, Malaysia, and several other countries.
One goal of retirement has been to spend more time with her family, so since retiring she has been sharpening her babysitting skills. She is also board chair of her church, treasurer of her condo HOA, and chair of the scholarship selections committee of her high school alumni association. She enjoys volunteering, hiking, and playing the piano.
Below you will find a list of ex-officio members:
Email: ude[dot]iupui[at]cve
Unit/School Affiliation: Office of Academic Affairs
Biography: visit this website for details.
Unit/School Affiliation: Office of Academic Affairs
Biography: visit this website for details.
Last updated 07/08/2022.