Indianapolis, Indiana – The University of Indianapolis has taken a major step in advancing engineering education with the announcement of a $2 million gift from the R.B. Annis Educational Foundation to establish the R.B. Annis Distinguished Professor of Engineering. This endowed professorship reflects a long-term commitment to developing Indiana’s future STEM workforce and ensuring that students are equipped to become innovative engineers and problem solvers.
The gift builds on the foundation’s longstanding partnership with UIndy, which includes a landmark $5 million donation in 2017 that helped launch the R.B. Annis School of Engineering within the Shaheen College of Arts and Sciences. Over the years, these investments have not only expanded the university’s engineering programs but also strengthened its ability to attract top-tier faculty and create opportunities for students to excel in STEM fields.
“The creation of the R.B. Annis Distinguished Professor of Engineering further elevates the national profile of our School of Engineering and affirms our commitment to academic excellence,” said University of Indianapolis President Tanuja Singh. “This generous endowment empowers us to recruit and retain top-tier faculty who will drive innovation, partnerships, and student success. It is a lasting legacy that will strengthen the university and our community for generations.”
The newly established professorship will provide critical support for faculty who are leaders in research, education, and industry collaboration. By offering resources to attract and retain exceptional educators, the position ensures that UIndy students have access to mentorship, guidance, and hands-on learning experiences that prepare them to thrive in competitive STEM careers. It also positions the university as a hub for innovation and research that can have far-reaching impacts on local and national engineering communities.
“Bob Annis was driven by a belief in discovery and in the potential of young people to push the boundaries of science and engineering,” said Dan Yates, trustee of the R.B. Annis Educational Foundation. “Establishing the R.B. Annis Distinguished Professor of Engineering is a meaningful way to extend that vision. This gift ensures that exceptional faculty will continue to inspire, challenge and prepare future engineers for decades to come.”
The impact of the professorship is expected to be immediate and far-reaching. Ken Reid, associate dean and director of the R.B. Annis School of Engineering, emphasized how the gift will enhance all aspects of the program. “This endowed professorship will have a tremendous impact on our school and our students,” Reid said. “This generous gift from the R.B. Annis Educational Foundation will enhance our academic excellence, strengthen our institutional reputation, recruit and retain top faculty, and empower students through mentorship and support. In short, this investment strengthens every aspect of our program and expands the opportunities we can offer future engineers.”
By tying the gift to a distinguished professorship, the foundation not only honors the legacy of R.B. Annis, one of Indianapolis’ most revered scientists and innovators, but also invests in the people and knowledge that will shape the next generation of engineers. The endowment will support research, foster innovation, and create a platform for faculty to collaborate with industry partners, opening doors for students to gain practical experience while contributing to technological advancements.
The R.B. Annis Distinguished Professor of Engineering represents more than financial support; it symbolizes a strategic investment in the future of STEM education at UIndy. The endowed position reinforces the university’s commitment to academic excellence and to producing graduates who are not only technically skilled but also capable of addressing complex challenges in society.
With this gift, the R.B. Annis Educational Foundation continues to play a transformative role in shaping Indiana’s engineering landscape. The professorship is poised to attract faculty whose expertise, mentorship, and vision will inspire students, drive innovation, and ensure that UIndy remains a leader in engineering education for decades to come.
For more information about the R.B. Annis Distinguished Professor of Engineering or the R.B. Annis School of Engineering, interested parties may contact UIndy’s Director of Public & Media Relations Dan Klein at [email protected].
