Bloomington Leader

Indiana University has launched new programs to enhance civic leadership education. The Paul H. O'Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs is offering courses in community and organizational leadership as well as a minor in leadership and advocacy. These initiatives bring Indiana mayors back to the classroom to impart lessons on public service to students through a course called "The Call to Public Service."

Fishers Mayor Scott Fadness, an alumnus of the school, is among the instructors for this class in Indianapolis. He shares his varied experience in governance, emphasizing confidence and leadership in public service. "I love teaching and enjoy sharing my unique perspective with students," said Fadness. "My goal is to help the students feel confident in their ability to serve others and lead well."

A student of Fadness’s class, Lily Nelson, highlighted the importance of adaptability and teamwork shared by the mayor as vital public service skills. "Mayor Fadness emphasized the importance of adaptability, teamwork and problem-solving qualities," Nelson noted, reflecting on her intent to lead with integrity in her future law enforcement career.

At Bloomington, the course is taught by Tim Berry, an expert in public finance, who involves various elected officials in classroom discussions. Berry challenges students to take the initiative and become active community members. "I encourage all of my students to become involved in the community, to be better advocates for a cause they are passionate about," Berry said.

Recently, Bloomington's class hosted Noblesville Mayor Chris Jensen and Terre Haute Mayor Brandon Sakbun. Mayor Jensen said, "Mayor Sakbun and I owe it to the next generation to tell our stories and inspire them like we were when we were students, to show them what a pathway looks like within public service."

Gabriel Rivera, a student interested in rural law and policy, found discussions on small-town economic development insightful, expressing the importance of a public service focus in her intended career.

Mayor Sakbun emphasized the potential of these discussions to inspire public service leadership among students. "After these conversations with students, I hope that we have future public-service leaders in the crowd," Sakbun stated, recognizing the legacy of Indiana University in nurturing leadership aspirations.