Indiana State University is pleased to welcome Mitchell E. Daniels, Jr., former Governor of Indiana and President Emeritus of Purdue University, for an engaging discussion on the future of higher education. The event, part of the University Speaker Series, will take place at Tilson Auditorium at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, February 17, 2025.
Daniels, known for his transformative leadership in public service and higher education, brings a wealth of experience to the conversation. As governor of Indiana from 2004 to 2012, he made a lasting impact on the state’s political and economic landscape. His tenure as the 12th president of Purdue University, from 2013 to 2022, was marked by his commitment to student affordability, including a groundbreaking tuition freeze that has kept the cost of attendance lower today than in 2012, even when adjusted for inflation.
“We are honored to welcome such a distinguished leader in both government and education,” said President Mike Godard of Indiana State University. “Daniels’ proven record of improving accessibility and affordability in higher education closely aligns with our mission at Indiana State.”
Currently a Distinguished Scholar and Senior Advisor at the Liberty Fund, Daniels continues to shape public policy and education. His past roles include serving as chief of staff to Senator Richard Lugar, senior advisor to President Ronald Reagan, Director of the Office of Management and Budget under President George W. Bush, and CEO of the Hudson Institute. He also spent over a decade as an executive at Eli Lilly and Company.
Dr. Nancy Rogers, Vice President for University Engagement at Indiana State University, expressed her enthusiasm for the upcoming event. “Mitch Daniels has a remarkable ability to navigate both the public and private sectors, and we are excited to hear his insights on how higher education can evolve to meet the challenges of tomorrow.”
Daniels earned his bachelor’s degree from Princeton University’s Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs and his law degree from Georgetown University. He is also a respected author and columnist who regularly contributes to the Washington Post.
The event is free and open to the public, offering a unique opportunity to hear firsthand from one of the nation’s leading voices on higher education and public policy.