Former mayor joins trustees
By Crystal Abrell | Opinion Editor
Former two-term Democratic Mayor of Indianapolis Bart Peterson has joined the University of Indianapolis board of trustees. Peterson, along with four leading business executives, was named to the board of trustees on Feb. 11. Peterson served as mayor of Indianapolis for eight years starting in 2000.
Peterson co-founded Mind Trust in 2006, which aims to attract, support and empower education entrepreneurs in Indianapolis, and is currently chair of its board of directors. He also is a resident fellow at Harvard’s Institute of Politics. Peterson practiced law for several years in Indianapolis before becoming a staff member for then governor Evan Bayh, eventually becoming his chief of staff.
According to university President Beverley Pitts, Peterson was the first mayor to support charter schools.
“Mayor Peterson brings knowledge of our community and great experience in education,” Pitts said. “As the first mayor to authorize charter schools and the founder of The Mind Trust, an organization focused on education entrepreneurship, he will bring added strength to our work through CELL and other education initiatives.”
Peterson was involved with the university prior to his being named a member of the board. Peterson was a part of The Brain Drain Initiative in Sept. 2006, involved leader in the Institute for Emerging Careers and an influential member of the Lilly Endowment Community Scholars.
According to Bob Wingerter, chair of the board of trustees, Peterson will bring two main influences to the board.
“I believe Peterson will bring two positive aspects to the board, one being demonstrative leadership Peterson being the [former] mayor of Indianapolis will bring a different type of leadership [that] we haven’t had before. Two, Peterson will bring contacts and connection to the board,” Wingerter said. “Peterson provides us with government affiliation and a chance to take a more political route.”
Also joining the board of trustees are George Sherman Fleetwood, president of AT&T Indiana; Vicki Perry, president and CEO of Advantage Health Solutions; Roland Dorson, president of the Greater Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce; and Charles J. Garcia, president and CEO of Garcia Construction Group.
Peterson will be joining the board of trustees that consists of more than 30 members. According to Pitts, UIndy looks forward to the current members working together to accomplish goals.
“I am delighted to have this strong class join our board,” Pitts said. “They all bring strengths to UIndy.”
