Green receives IU's Distinguished Service Medal

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

KOKOMO, Ind. – Indiana University Kokomo on Monday bid farewell to a respected leader and colleague, Stuart Green, who was honored with receiving IU's first Distinguished Service Medal by President Michael McRobbie. More than 200 faculty, staff, and community members attended Green's retirement reception at Havens Auditorium.

Green, who most recently served as interim chancellor, retired effective June 30 after 38 years of service.

"Over the past 38 years at IU Kokomo, it has always been about relationships for Stuart Green," McRobbie said. "He has been forging and strengthening relationships over those decades that have helped make this campus what it is today."

In addition, Green received a Distinguished Hoosier Award, presented on behalf of Gov. Mitch Daniels by state Sen. Jim Buck, and a proclamation from Kokomo Mayor Greg Goodnight, commending him for his service and declaring Monday, June 28, as "Stuart M. Green Day" in Kokomo.

Also to his credit, Green strengthened relationships with Ivy Tech Community College and Purdue College of Technology, helped develop the North Central Indiana Regional Leadership Institute, and was involved in construction of a new nursing clinical simulation center – set to open in January.

A photo gallery of the event can be viewed at:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/iukokomo/sets/72157624262225193/

Green, who began his career here in 1972 as assistant professor of fine arts, leaves a long path of positive footprints because of his commitment to quality higher education and growth for the Kokomo campus.

"Stuart has the unique ability to shape discourse around new ideas, new strategies for student success, and best practices," said Susan Sciame-Giesecke, interim vice chancellor of academic affairs, who has worked alongside Green for 33 years. "His legacy is a group of leaders who have learned from him how to continue to vision future growth for the IU Kokomo campus. I know he will be watching from afar taking great pride in future changes."

During his tenure, Green has served in a variety of leadership roles, including chairperson for the Department of Humanities, dean of the School of Arts and Sciences, vice chancellor of academic affairs – and during the 10 years as vice chancellor he served as acting dean for three areas on campus; nursing, public and environmental affairs, and the library.

"In 1998 when Stuart was appointed vice chancellor of academic affairs, there was thunderous applause from faculty and staff – it was confirmation, I believe, from the campus community that leadership from within was indeed what was best for IU Kokomo," said Jack Tharp, vice chancellor of student services. "Similarly, Stuart's two years as interim chancellor have been marked by the stamp of what only an insider could achieve."

In addition to his work in higher education, Green has a long history of serving the citizens of north central Indiana. Some of his volunteer activities include:

• Board member, Indiana Coalition for the Arts (1999 – 2010) President, 2003-2007

• Member, Board of Advisors Indiana Arts Partnership region 4 (2004 - 2010)

• Kokomo Fine Arts Council (1974 – 1980)

• Howard County Partners in Education (1997 - 2010)

• Community Foundation of Howard County, Dream Team (2000 – 2003)

• Inventrek Technology Park Board of Directors (2008 - 2010)

• Greater Kokomo Economic Development Alliance (2008 - 2010)

As Green embarks on this new journey, leaving Kokomo is bittersweet.

"There will be things I will miss, and I will certainly miss the colleagueship. I've gotten to know a great many of people over a great many years and value them immensely," Green said.

"It's impossible when you've been part of a place for 38 years not to feel a sense of loss. I think the great part of it is that I also have a great sense of optimism and joy about where I'm going and what I'm going to be doing. It's really having the best of both worlds."

Michael Harris, Ph.D., provost and vice president for academic affairs at Kettering University in Flint, Mich., has been selected as Green's successor, and will begin his duties on Thursday, July 1.

Indiana University Kokomo serves a seven county, primary service area in north central Indiana. The campus offers more than 40 academic programs including four graduate degrees.

"Celebrating 10,000 graduates with 10,000 Degrees of Excellence!"