Biography

As the youngest of six children, I inherited a legacy deeply entwined with the value of education. This legacy was born from my father's unfulfilled collegiate dreams due to the economic hardships of the Depression and his subsequent service in World War II. This legacy culminated in 1986 with my undergraduate degree in Biology from IU Bloomington and further solidified when I earned my D.D.S. from the IU School of Dentistry in 1990. He made sure that all six of his children graduated from college with the last four from IU! This tradition has continued with my own family. All four of my children have attended IU Bloomington with the last child, Ella, becoming a freshman this fall.

My earliest memory of IU was a vivid scene of victory at the Old Oaken Bucket Game in 1971 in Bloomington. I remember walking from my brother's fraternity on Jordan Avenue, down 17th street to Memorial Stadium. The atmosphere was electric. I knew then that this was where I was going to college. This ignited a lifelong passion for IU athletics, as I continued to hold 16 season tickets for football and four season tickets for basketball for decades. I was also honored to be accepted into the “President's Circle” in 2022 for my financial support of IU.

However, my connection to IU is not just one of tradition and athletics but also of concern and aspiration for its future. Despite IU's prestigious standing and its expansive student body, the university faces challenges with enrollment decline and financial sustainability being paramount among them. The financial burdens of higher education, exacerbated by tuition increases and escalating student debt, necessitate a strategic reevaluation of how we ensure the accessibility and affordability of an IU education. The example of our neighbors in West Lafayette, who have managed to hold tuition steady for over a decade, is a testament to what can be achieved with determined leadership and innovative governance.

I firmly believe in the virtue of frugality, especially when it comes to financial management. This principle isn't just about pinching pennies; it's about making thoughtful, strategic decisions that benefit both individuals and organizations alike. In my practice, I always prioritize my patients' well-being, not just medically, but also financially. This same ethos should guide the financial decisions of institutions like universities. It's about asking the tough questions: Are we truly getting value for every dollar spent? Is this expenditure necessary for our mission? These may seem like simple queries, but in today's complex world, they're more vital than ever. Take, for instance, our athletic department. Too often, universities rashly terminate coaches, resulting in exorbitant payouts. It's time for a more prudent approach. We need to scrutinize coaching hires, compensation packages, and contract extensions with a discerning eye. Let's break the cycle of costly dismissals by fostering a culture of fiscal responsibility. After all, shouldn't we strive to avoid the need to write off millions for failed coaching tenures? It's time for a change, and it starts with embracing a frugal mindset in all aspects of decision-making.

Furthermore, the absence of a medical professional on the Board of Trustees is a significant oversight, given IU Health's prominence within Indiana and their 36,000 employees. My extensive experience with my dental practice and my health science education positions me uniquely to bridge this gap, ensuring that health-related insights inform the board's decisions.

In appealing for your support in the upcoming election, I am not merely asking for the opportunity to serve on the Board of Trustees. I am inviting you to join me in a mission to ensure that Indiana University not only remains a beacon of academic excellence and innovation but also becomes a leader in addressing the pressing issues facing higher education today. Together, we can forge a path toward a sustainable, accessible, and comprehensive educational experience for all IU students. Your vote is not just for me, it is a vote for the future of Indiana University.