A VISIONARY LEADER:
While Dr. Gene Sease is not the university’s longest-serving president, there is perhaps no person with a greater impact in creating the UIndy we know today. The university transformed under his visionary leadership from 1970 to 1988, elevating the academic institution into a central player in solving societal challenges. During his tenure, the university became a model for civic engagement, with Sease himself serving as a bridge between academia, government, and business. Recognizing the needs of a rapidly changing Indianapolis, Sease oversaw significant expansion in the university’s facilities, with new buildings and campus enhancements that provided a foundation for future generations. During his tenure, Sease spearheaded significant growth and transformation of the university, including construction of the Lilly Fitness Center, Krannert Memorial Library, Key Stadium, Zerfas Wing of Lilly Hall, and New Hall (renamed Ray & George Crowe Hall in 2012). He was also instrumental in leading the name change from Indiana Central College to Indiana Central University in 1975, and again Remembering President Gene Sease (1931-2024) and his Legacy at the University of Indianapolis
from Indiana Central University to the University of Indianapolis in 1986. The physical transformation of campus paralleled an expansion in academic programs, especially those designed to meet the demands of the local community. He worked closely with civic and industry leaders, creating programs that addressed workforce needs in sectors such as health care, business, criminal justice, and education, making the university a vital resource for all of Central Indiana. Sease was deeply engaged in the civic life of Indianapolis, forging lasting partnerships with city leaders. He was a close friend of former Indianapolis Mayor and U.S. Senator Richard Lugar, a relationship that underscored the university’s connection to the broader civic landscape. Their friendship helped position the university as a vital player in city development efforts with Lugar himself recruiting Sease to serve as Chair of the Greater Indianapolis Progress Committee. When Lugar ran for Senate, he taught classes at Indiana Central and headquartered his campaign on campus. Together, they were instrumental in initiatives that shaped a vision of Indianapolis as a hub for innovation, education, and civic engagement. One of Sease’s most enduring contributions was his philosophy that the university must serve as a connector in society. His leadership emphasized the idea that the university should be a place where societal problems meet practical solutions, and where students, faculty, and the community collaborate to address real-world challenges. This focus on applied education not only
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UNIVERSITY OF INDIANAPOLIS
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