Ballard Heading Back to School

(Image of UIndy President Rob Manuel and former Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard courtesy of WTHR-TV)

A former Indianapolis mayor has a new gig. Greg Ballard has been named a visiting fellow of the Institute for Civic Leadership & Mayoral Archives at the University of Indianapolis. The school says in the role, Ballard will help promote the archives as a resource for officeholders, community leaders, researchers and students. His work will also focus on strategies and issues including quality of life in urban areas, clean energy solutions, transportation and global collaboration.

UIndy President Robert Manuel says "former Mayor Ballard’s role continues a University of Indianapolis tradition of working closely with city leaders. He’s been a vital partner in UIndy’s efforts to enhance the quality of life in our own neighborhood and throughout Indianapolis. I’m looking forward to seeing firsthand his contributions to UIndy’s intellectual life and student learning opportunities, and I believe our partnership can make a national impact."

Ballard is also donating materials from his time in office to the archive, as has been customary for all previous Indianapolis mayors since Richard Lugar. Lugar, William Hudnut, Stephen Goldsmith and Bart Peterson have all also served on the school’s board of trustees.

Ballard says "I’ve enjoyed working with the University of Indianapolis on the many issues of concern we share. This new relationship, drawing on the resources of the university, will provide a platform for national conversations on the future of urban life in our country."

The archives are available to the public in digital form through a grant from the Lilly Endowment Inc.