Indianapolis, Indiana – Faculty and staff at the University of Indianapolis continued to extend the university’s mission of “education for service” beyond the classroom in December, offering expert insight to local, regional, and national media on a wide range of topics. Through television interviews, print features, radio discussions, academic publications, and opinion pieces, UIndy representatives helped explain complex issues, provide historical and scientific context, and highlight innovative programs shaping the community and beyond.
Throughout the month, UIndy experts appeared in stories that touched on education, public policy, health care, business, archaeology, international relations, and the arts. Their contributions reflected both the depth of expertise across campus and the university’s commitment to civic engagement and public understanding.
One of the most widely shared stories featured Dr. Grant Williams, assistant professor and director of the theatre track, alongside Betsy McGill, director of disability resources and the BUILD program. The pair discussed a collaborative acting class designed specifically for students in the BUILD program, an initiative aimed at teaching communication, confidence, and life skills through performance. The story aired on WXIN and WTHR and was later syndicated to outlets in other markets, including KTHV in Little Rock, Arkansas, expanding the reach of the program well beyond Indiana.
Issues of housing insecurity were also highlighted through the work of Dr. James B. Williams, dean of the Ron and Laura Strain Honors College and associate professor of history. Williams appeared on TV with recent graduate Faith Kelley to discuss her Honors College research into the often unseen struggles associated with homelessness, offering viewers a deeper look into the human stories behind the issue.
Engineering and education funding drew attention as Dr. Tanuja Singh and Dr. Ken Reid, associate dean and director of the R.B. Annis School of Engineering, spoke with the Daily Journal and the Indianapolis Business Journal about a $2 million gift that will establish an endowed professorship in engineering. Singh was also quoted by WTHR and WIBC following a separate $40 million gift from Lilly Endowment to Perry Township Schools, which includes funding for a new innovation facility located on the UIndy campus.
In the sciences, Dr. Christopher Moore, professor of anthropology, contributed to a feature in Archaeology Magazine explaining the importance of artifacts discovered near Prophetstown State Park. His analysis helped place the findings in a broader historical and cultural context, shedding light on the region’s past.
Health care education and workforce needs were addressed by Dr. Wendy Stoelting-Gettelfinger, associate professor and graduate program director, who spoke with WRTV about UIndy’s new Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner program. The program is designed to help prepare advanced practice nurses in response to a projected physician shortage expected within the next decade or two.
Historical perspective was brought to current political debates by Dr. Ted Frantz, chair of the history department and director of the Institute of Civic Leadership. He provided insight to the Indianapolis Star on how 38th Street has historically divided political and economic power in Indianapolis, as lawmakers debated new congressional district lines at the Statehouse.
Mental health and family dynamics during the holiday season were the focus of a live interview on WXIN featuring Dr. Kelly Miller, psychologist and director of the Student Counseling Center. Miller shared practical advice on navigating sensitive conversations and maintaining well-being during family gatherings.
In the business world, Carissa Newton, assistant professor of practice of marketing and director of the Stephen F. Fry Scholars Program, contributed expert analysis to Indianapolis Monthly on whether Fort Wayne-based Vera Bradley and its iconic patterned handbags could regain cultural relevance in a changing retail landscape. Meanwhile, Dr. Larry Belcher, professor of finance, discussed why Central Indiana has become an emerging hub for major gas station brands like Wawa, Wally’s, and Buc-ee’s during an interview with WXIN.
Global politics were also part of the December media landscape. Dr. Milind Thakar, professor of international relations and director of the graduate program, authored an op-ed in American Kahani analyzing Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to India. Thakar framed the visit as an effort by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to demonstrate strategic autonomy while Russia seeks to counter international isolation.
Community education and public science outreach were highlighted through Dr. Christopher Schmidt, chair of the anthropology department and director of the Bioarchaeology Laboratory, who served as the featured speaker at Science with a Twist, an event organized by the Indiana Academy of Science.
Perhaps the most extensive media presence in December came from the political science department. Dr. Laura Merrifield Wilson, associate professor of political science, provided expert commentary on redistricting and partisan gerrymandering across a wide range of outlets. She analyzed the effects of gerrymandering in Tennessee for the Associated Press, a story that was syndicated to more than 250 outlets nationwide. Wilson also appeared on NPR’s All Things Considered, discussing why Indiana’s redistricting process was proving more complicated than expected, reaching listeners through more than 150 stations.
Wilson’s expertise was sought repeatedly as Indiana lawmakers debated congressional maps. She appeared on WXIN, WTHR, WPTA, and WFYI, explaining how proposed district lines could affect Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, and political representation statewide. Her analysis was also featured in the Indiana Capital Chronicle, WTHI, The Indiana Citizen, TheStatehouseFile.com, and The Washington Times. In addition, she appeared as a featured guest on the IN Focus politics program and provided analysis following the Indiana Senate’s vote on the redistricting bill.
Dr. Gregory Shufeldt, associate professor of political science, also contributed to coverage of redistricting. He explained how proposed maps could dilute Black voting power in interviews with WRTV and WFYI and provided further analysis after the Indiana Senate rejected the redrawing of congressional districts.
Economic issues rounded out the month’s media appearances. Dr. Matt Will, associate professor of finance, joined several live interviews with Tony Katz on WIBC, offering insight on a range of financial topics affecting listeners across Central Indiana.
Together, these appearances reflect a month of wide-ranging public engagement by University of Indianapolis faculty and staff. By sharing their knowledge and research through trusted media outlets, they helped inform public conversation, clarify complex issues, and highlight the university’s ongoing role as a resource for the community.
UIndy officials encourage faculty and staff members who are featured in the media to notify the Office of Communications and Marketing at [email protected] so their work can be included in future monthly updates.
