Richmond, Indiana
Email: donnaberryspears1@gmail.com
Phone: (765) 969-0093

A.S., Science of Dental Hygiene 1978, Indiana University School of Dentistry

B.S., Public Health Education 1979, Indiana University School of Medicine

M.P.A., Indiana University O'Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs 1981, Health Systems Administration

As a three-time graduate of Indiana University, one of the greatest joys of my life has been the opportunity to serve the university in numerous volunteer capacities for nearly four decades, including: serving as a member of the Indiana University Board of Trustees for the past five years, serving on the Indiana University Foundation Board, serving as past National Chair of the IUAA Board of Managers, and serving two terms on the IUAA Board of Managers. I have also been a member of the IUAA Executive Council, a lifetime member of the IUAA, a founding member of the Women's Philanthropy Leadership Council, a founding member of Indiana University Athletics Women's Excellence, Chair and Co-Chair of the Colloquium for the Women of IU, Steering Committee Colloquium for the Women of IU, Indiana University Jacobs School of Music Society of the Friends of Music member, Chair of the Woodburn Guild of IUAA, Indiana University Athletics Varsity Club volunteer, and serving as a member of the Indiana University East Advisory Board, among many other activities and initiatives.

I am an unapologetic advocate for academic excellence and equity. Through these dual lenses, I have sought to fulfill my fiduciary responsibility as an Indiana University Board of Trustees member. No matter which campus a student chooses, academic excellence must be the centerpiece of every student's Indiana University experience. Anything less is unacceptable.

While one's love for Indiana University is admirable, I have learned over the past five years that love alone is not enough to help the University address its current and future challenges.

I have worked collaboratively and collegially with my fellow trustees and my five-year tenure on the Indiana University Board of Trustees has allowed me to acquire the knowledge and understanding needed by members of the Board of Trustees to make informed decisions. Policy decisions that best serve the needs of current and prospective students, faculty, staff, and the citizens of the State of Indiana are critical to the University's continued success.

The COVID-19 pandemic revealed the uncertainty of the challenges ahead and the importance of the university to be nimble yet decisive in navigating the new normal in higher education.

It is essential to possess the highest level of personal integrity, transparency, a passion for student success, academic excellence, and gender and ethnic equity.

My priority is to ensure that an Indiana University education is accessible and affordable to all students, no matter which campus a student attends.

As a highly engaged trustee, I've witnessed the strength of Indiana University personified by the value added to communities that contain an Indiana University campus.

The university plays a collective role in teaching, research and discovery, workforce preparation, and economic development.

During my five-year tenure as a member of the Board of Trustees, I have seized every opportunity to learn about higher education and Indiana University, and I will ensure my votes reflect the best practices in the academy and are consistent with the needs of the university. My duties on the Indiana University Board of Trustees will be performed with the highest level of service and integrity.

Your support and your VOTES are greatly appreciated!