Indianapolis, Indiana – The University of Indianapolis has long championed the phrase “education for service,” and that commitment stretched far beyond classrooms this August. Faculty and staff from across disciplines stepped into the media spotlight, offering their insight to local and national outlets covering issues in health care, politics, literature, sports, and community life. From nursing to engineering, from athletics to political science, the voices of UIndy professionals helped shape conversations in Indiana and well beyond.
At the heart of this month’s media presence were UIndy’s health care experts. Dr. Sarah Holmes, assistant professor and interim undergraduate program director, joined Dr. Diane Smith and Dr. Wendy Stoelting-Gettelfinger, both graduate program directors in nursing, to discuss the expanding role of nurse practitioners in hospitals. Their perspectives appeared in both the Indianapolis Business Journal and the Daily Journal. Stoelting-Gettelfinger also gave additional context to NPSchools.com, describing the environment in Indiana for nurse practitioners. Together, their contributions highlighted how UIndy is preparing graduates to meet the growing demand for skilled health professionals across the state.
History and anthropology also found a platform in August. WTIU profiled Dr. Christopher Moore, professor of anthropology, and Dr. Elizabeth Straub, adjunct professor, for their excavation work tied to Indiana’s canal era. Their research seeks to uncover stories from a period marked by high hopes for economic growth, only to end in disappointment. By bringing attention to this project, the faculty underscored the value of learning from the physical traces left in the ground, a reminder of how past ambitions continue to shape Indiana’s landscape today.
Engineering was also in the spotlight. As Butler University announced its plan to launch an engineering program next fall, Indianapolis Business Journal turned to Dr. Ken Reid, associate dean and director of UIndy’s R.B. Annis School of Engineering. Reid spoke about UIndy’s strengths and successes in engineering education, pointing to the school’s established record of preparing students for technical careers through hands-on learning. His comments emphasized the competitive but collaborative spirit among Indiana institutions seeking to prepare the next generation of engineers.
On the athletic front, media attention focused on both football and triathlon. Head football coach Chris Keevers gave interviews to the Indianapolis Star in a feature about quarterback Gavin Sukup and later to WRTV following UIndy’s victory over Marian University in the Monumental Matchup, a much-anticipated return game that energized fans. Meanwhile, triathlon coach Doug Robinson and several student-athletes spoke to Mirror Indy about their unique experiences. The triathlon team, only in its second season, stands as the only collegiate program of its kind in Indianapolis and one of just two in Indiana. Their profile highlighted not only the physical challenges of the sport but also the strong sense of teamwork and resilience driving the program forward.
Community engagement was another area where UIndy made headlines. WRTV, WXIN, and WISH-TV all covered UIndy’s Service for Impact Day, a signature event focused on community service. Marianna Foulkrod, director of the Center for Service-Learning and Community Engagement, and Andy Kocher, chief of staff and vice president for corporate and community partnerships, were central voices in these stories. Their interviews emphasized the university’s strong connection with the Indianapolis community and the ways students and staff actively contribute to meaningful projects across the city.
Humanities also played a role in shaping local media coverage. Dr. Jennifer Camden, professor of English, was quoted in the Daily Journal in advance of Communiversity’s next discussion on Virginia Woolf’s To the Lighthouse. Her participation in promoting literary engagement reflects UIndy’s commitment to fostering cultural conversations that bridge the gap between academia and the broader public.
Even UIndy’s beloved mascot earned a moment in the spotlight. Coran Sigman, live mascot handler and marketing & communications manager, was quoted by U.S. News & World Report for a feature on colleges and universities with dog mascots. The piece gave national recognition to UIndy’s school spirit and the special bond between the campus community and its furry representative.
Politics and policy were prominent themes as well, led by the work of Dr. Laura Merrifield Wilson, associate professor of political science. Wilson’s commentary appeared in multiple outlets, from WTHR to the Associated Press, where her analysis of Indiana redistricting possibilities reached more than 100 news organizations nationwide. She also provided perspectives to the Indiana Capital Chronicle, WTTV, WLFI-TV, and the Shelbyville News, among others, on issues ranging from state legislative negotiations to White House policy meetings. Beyond written stories, Wilson appeared on politically focused shows like IN Focus on WXIN, further establishing her as a trusted voice on Indiana politics.
Wilson’s colleague, Dr. Gregory Shufeldt, also contributed to the political conversation. In an interview with the Indianapolis Star, he discussed Beau Bayh’s political prospects and the potential weight of his family name within Indiana’s Democratic Party. His expertise added depth to speculation about the state’s political future and the challenges facing Democrats seeking renewed influence.
Finance, too, made its way into the headlines. Dr. Matt Will, associate professor of finance, joined Tony Katz on WIBC for several live interview segments. His commentary covered a range of financial topics, underscoring how faculty can help audiences make sense of complex economic issues in real time.
Innovation and technology rounded out UIndy’s media presence. Dr. Hung-Fu Chang, assistant professor in the R.B. Annis School of Engineering, co-authored a paper for Thinking Skills and Creativity. The publication focused on how Large Language Models (LLMs) can serve as a framework to spark human creativity. His work reflects how UIndy faculty not only participate in current conversations about artificial intelligence but also shape the academic research that informs those discussions.
Altogether, August showcased just how wide-ranging UIndy’s influence can be when its faculty and staff share their expertise. From national news features to local sports coverage, the university’s commitment to public engagement came through in diverse and meaningful ways. The variety of topics—nursing, history, politics, finance, literature, athletics, engineering, and community service—illustrated how UIndy’s mission extends far beyond the classroom, carrying real impact into the public square.
Faculty and staff who appear in the media play a vital role in strengthening the university’s reputation, but more importantly, they help communities make sense of complex issues, celebrate achievements, and understand the world in new ways. For the University of Indianapolis, this is more than publicity—it is service in action.
