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Director of Hoosiers for Higher Education, special assistant for external relations, IUB
This year I have a new and exciting opportunity.
As part of my responsibilities, the university has asked that I take on the task of bringing together two entities for which I personally care deeply: Indiana University and the community of Bloomington.
In this new post as the university's liaison to the Bloomington community,
I will serve as the first primary contact between the community and IU. In fact, strengthening IU's public and private partnerships around the state is a key goal President Myles Brand has identified for the years ahead. He said: "It's absolutely crucial that part of this effort be to enhance our community relations not just in Bloomington, but in all the cities where our campuses are located."
Locally, this new effort will build on IU's longstanding tradition of partnership with the Bloomington area. We have always worked closely on such issues as fire protection, safety, waste removal and shared facilities. In addition, at least 40 IU employees currently serve on elected or appointed city and county boards and there are many, many more working as volunteers in the community. Many community residents who are not employees in turn serve on IU's advisory councils and planning committees.
We also recognize the impact of a revitalized downtown, which with the Showers facility and other beautiful and functional buildings in the works, are contributing to the city's economy and beauty.
If recent phone inquiries are any indication, the community is happy to have a designated access point at IU. I've already interviewed dozens of people from the community and campus about the potential for expanded partnerships and will continue this dialogue. It's the right time for Bloomington and IU to explore possibilities of even greater mutual benefit.
(Comments? E-mail Talbot at: shtalbot@indiana.edu)