Osili Appointed Mays Family Institute Fellow
The Mays Family Institute on Diverse Philanthropy at the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy at IUPUI is launching new initiatives. Noted philanthropy scholar Una Osili has been appointed dean’s fellow for the institute. She will conduct research studies on various aspects of diversity and philanthropy. Osili is associate dean for research and international programs and professor of economics and philanthropic studies at the school. She will continue in those roles as well.
The Mays Institute on Diverse Philanthropy honors the philanthropic service and engagement of William G. and Rose Mays and their family. The institute’s inspiration, Mays Chemical Co. Founder William began his nearly 50-year career in Indianapolis and provided outstanding local, national and international leadership in the business, civic and philanthropic sectors. He earned his bachelor’s degree and M.B.A. at IU Bloomington, and received an honorary Doctor of Science degree from IU. Dr. Mays, who earned her master’s degree in pediatric nursing at IUPUI, is professor emerita at the IU School of Nursing at IUPUI and former associate dean for community and international affairs.
To assist students at the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, a fellowship and a scholarship have been established as part of the institute. The William G. Mays Fellowship and the Lacy M. and Patricia Johnson Family Scholarship will help support graduate and undergraduate students from marginalized communities who are interested in philanthropy.
An internationally recognized expert on philanthropy, Osili leads the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy’s globally renowned repertoire of research projects, which will inform and extend the impact of the Mays Family Institute on Diverse Philanthropy. She has pioneered new approaches to using data to better understand global and national trends in philanthropy. Osili earned her B.A. in Economics at Harvard University, and her M.A. and Ph.D. in Economics from Northwestern University. As dean’s fellow, she will lead key aspects of the institute’s work, ranging from conducting related research to participating in speaking engagements.