Two internationally renowned business leaders and public servants will join one of the university's most accomplished students as new members of the Indiana University Board of Trustees under appointments announced Thursday by Indiana Governor Mike Pence.
The new additions include Randall Tobias, former CEO at Eli Lilly and Co., James T. Morris, President of Pacers Sports and Entertainment, and Janice Farlow, student at the Indiana University School of Medicine.
"The leadership, public service, and personal accomplishments of the individuals named today will bring tremendous experience and insight to the Indiana University Board of Trustees," said Governor Pence in a statement. "Under their guidance, I am confident Indiana University will continue to serve, educate and inspire the thousands of young Hoosiers working toward degrees on its campuses all around the state."
Farlow, of Indianapolis, is expected to graduate in 2017 with a medical degree and a Ph.D. in medical and molecular genetics. She previously earned bachelor's degrees, with honors, in biology and romance languages at IU Bloomington. Having served in a variety of roles on the Medical Student Council, Indiana University Student Outreach Clinic and other organizations, Farlow has both local and national leadership and community service experience.
She is the recipient of a number of prestigious recognitions, including the 2012 American Medical Association Foundation Leadership award, a national honor presented to only 30 medical students annually.
"[Farlow's] appointment continues IU's practice of tapping our most impressive students to represent the interests of their fellow students at the trustee level," said IU President Michael A. McRobbie in a statement Thursday.
Farlow calls her appointment "an incredible honor," adding that the position will be a great continuation of the different activities she's been engaged in thus far.
"One of the main focuses throughout my life has been on community service and student leadership development," said Farlow. "I think this position really will allow me to understand what impact IU has on all the communities of all the regional campuses of the university, and how students can play a greater role in advancing the mission of the university."
The key to furthering that mission, Farlow says, is connecting the university's most valuable resource: its people.
"[The university] educates so many students who then stay here, and has partnerships with so many different corporations and governmental agencies. It really has a great power to work with all these individuals to not only advance the mission of the university, but ultimately the state."
Randall Tobias and James Morris are both graduates of IU Bloomington and current members of the IU Foundation Board. Morris previously served as an IU Trustee from 1996 to 2002 and as board president from 2000 to 2002.
Both men have dedicated countless hours to public service outside of time dedicated to various local and national board appointments. Tobias was the nation's first US Global AIDS Coordinator, and Morris served as Executive Director of the United Nations World Food Programme for five years.
President McRobbie called the two appointees "Indiana icons," adding that their respective careers and demonstrated commitment to the university "make them ideally suited to help lead IU into the future."
Along with Derica Rice, chief financial officer for Eli Lilly and Co. who will enter his second term after reappointment by the governor, Tobias and Morris will serve out three-year terms. Farlow's position as student trustee will keep her on board for two years.
All appointments take effect July 1.
IU has a nine-member board, with six members appointed by the state's governor. IU alumni select the other three members, with one alumni board seat coming open each year. Voting in the current trustee election ends at 11 a.m. on June 29. Any IU alumnus is eligible to vote and can do so online.
