Indiana State University Newsroom

The Indiana State University Foundation Board of Directors announced today that Ron Carpenter has been selected as the new president of the foundation. Carpenter, an Indiana State alumnus, will lead the foundation's fundraising strategy and operations.

"I look forward to what this opportunity will allow me, along with our foundation staff and board, to achieve by leveraging all of my experience and passion, on behalf of ISU and the students, alumni and community that we collaboratively serve," Carpenter said.

Carpenter brings 35 years of non-profit leadership and management experience to the foundation. For the past 15 years, he has led the Indianapolis-based Children's Bureau as its CEO. In this role, he has directed organizational growth as well as board and resource development. During his tenure at the Children's Bureau, Carpenter has been involved with fundraising, successfully completing four major capital campaigns for new buildings and endowment growth, while also increasing annual giving to the organization.

He has also served as a faculty member for the University of Indianapolis and the Indiana Child Development Institute.

Brent Beeler, foundation board chair, said Carpenter's professional experience and personal love of Indiana State make him uniquely qualified to lead the foundation.

"Ron is a respected veteran of the not-for-profit industry. Since Ron inquired about the position, we have been excited about the opportunity for him to become the new foundation president," Beeler said. "His resume and accomplishments, especially in the areas of non-profit management and fundraising, are impressive and we look forward to many years of outstanding leadership from Ron."

Carpenter said he is excitted about what his new endeavor represents.

"I have remained connected with our university and the Terre Haute community in a variety of volunteer and business ways since I graduated in 1977," Carpenter said. "ISU has been a big part of my family's lives and remains a priority for us. I am humbled by the confidence shown in me by those individuals who have supported my interest and commitment to this position."

Carpenter's family has a legacy of involvement and connection at ISU. Both of his parents and his son, Jacob, are alumni. He earned both his bachelor and master's degrees from in criminology at Indiana State, and was co-captain of the football team. He has been an active member of the ISU Alumni Association, previously serving as president of the alumni board. He has served as chair of the ISU Board of Trustees and as a key member of the foundation board. Carpenter also led the search that hired Dan Bradley, the current president of Indiana State.

"Ron brings a wealth of knowledge to this role not only from his experiences in running a major non-profit and overseeing its fundraising efforts, but also as an Indiana State alumnus who has served his alma mater in numerous volunteer roles. I look forward to working with him to advance the work of the Foundation for the benefit of the University, our students, faculty and staff, and our community," Bradley said.

Carpenter will begin his leadership role with the foundation on August 7.

Media Contact: Kim Bloch, director of communications, Indiana State University Foundation, kbloch@indstatefoundation.org or 812-514-8486