Indiana State University Newsroom

Indiana State University President Daniel J. Bradley announced today (April 26) his plans to step down as the university's eleventh president effective January 2018.

"The past nine years have been amazing and rewarding. As has often been said, however, there is a time for everything. Now is our time to reflect, to enjoy our grandkids and to plan our next great adventure," said Bradley of himself and his wife, Cheri. "Seventeen years as a university president and a first lady on two campuses is undoubtedly enough."

Bradley oversaw a period of unprecedented growth and progress on a wide variety of fronts, said David Campbell, chair of the ISU Board of Trustees.

"When Dan was hired in the summer of 2008, the trustees made it clear that improving enrollment was our top priority. That become goal one of ‘The Pathway to Success' strategic plan, and the result was a 30 percent increase and a new record enrollment," said Campbell. "We learned very quickly that when we asked him to do something, he got it done."

"We hate to see him leave the presidency, but the trustees certainly understand his desire to step away from this very hectic and demanding position. He and Cheri have far surpassed their peers in the longevity of their service to higher education. We appreciate all they have done to position the institution for future success," he added.

In addition to garnering record enrollments, Campbell cited the following achievements of Bradley's presidency:

-- Improved student success as evidenced by increases in retention, graduation rates, and degree production;

-- Increased focus on community engagement leading to more than 1.3 million hours of service per year by ISU students and earning a national reputation for Indiana State including several number one national rankings from Washington Monthly's College Guide;

-- Development of new degree programs in high-demand fields including numerous health care programs as well as unmanned systems, engineering and others;

-- Infusion of experiential learning components into all degree programs;

-- Strengthening of relationships with members of the Indiana General Assembly leading to support for the largest capital projects in the university's history;

-- Significant improvements to the University's physical plant with more than $300 million in capital projects completed during his tenure including several renovations of historic structures;

-- Successful completion of Indiana State's first comprehensive fundraising campaign;

-- Continued diversification of the student body, faculty, staff, and campus leadership;

-- A new energy and renewed sense of purpose and cooperation among all of the University's constituencies; and

-- Major contributions to the redevelopment of downtown Terre Haute and the riverfront area.

"In reviewing the past nine years, it is amazing to see all that has been accomplished under Dan Bradley's leadership. He approaches everything in a collaborative manner and has proven that more can be accomplished when the university and the community work together. He has not only had a profound effect on Indiana State but on the community of Terre Haute as well," said Campbell.

Bradley, however, is quick to note the hard work of others that have contributed to these successes.

"Cheri and I will leave it to others to determine our legacy, but it is our hope that part of it will be a better institutional understanding of ISU's true mission, vision and values, and its commitment to student success. It has been a pleasure working with individuals across campus and throughout our community, noting our progress and accomplishments," said Bradley. "Together, we have set in place a foundation that prepares the university to move forward to meet the dreams and challenges of the future."

Bradley was selected as Indiana State's eleventh president in July 2008 following a nationwide search that attracted more than 100 candidates. He came to Indiana State from Fairmont State University in Fairmont, W.Va., where he had served as president since 2001 following a long career in numerous positions at Montana Tech.

The Bradleys chose to live in Condit House, the historic university-owned home on the State campus that had been used as offices for the president and staff for the 16 years prior to their arrival. They have hosted countless events for students, faculty, staff, alumni, and donors including Cheri's annual Lemonade Stand on the Condit House front lawn the first day of classes each fall.

"Living in Condit House has been an incredible experience and has afforded us the opportunity to be active participants in university and community life," said Bradley.

Campbell also noted the impact Cheri has had as first lady.

"Of course, Dan has a remarkable partner in Cheri. Cheri has been instrumental in building campus and community relationships. From serving lemonade and cookies on the first day of classes to hosting student groups and alumni for dinner at Condit House, she has been excellent at connecting with our students, alumni, faculty and staff, all while promoting ISU's mission. I am not sure who we will miss more!" Campbell stated.

In addition to serving on the boards of several local non-profit organizations, Cheri started a group called Women of ISU which meets for brunch twice annually. The group donates gifts for women in need at the fall meeting, and makes donations to fund scholarships for nontraditional women at its spring brunch.

"I have truly enjoyed bringing together ladies from across campus to network and collectively share. Women of ISU has provided uplifting moments to women in our community and valuable scholarships for educational opportunities at Indiana State. It is great to be a part of such a caring community," said Cheri Bradley.

Campbell noted he had mixed emotions about Bradley's decision.

"On a personal note, as a trustee, board chair and friend, it has been a privilege to work with Dan and Cheri. They are good people who approach their work with a sincerity and sense of purpose that is unique in today's environment. So it is with mixed emotions that we accept their desire to step back. While we will miss their leadership, we are excited for their opportunity to explore new horizons and enjoy the fruits of all their work. We look forward to their continuing friendship, interest in, and association with ISU," said Campbell.

After a year-long sabbatical, the Bradleys plan to continue their involvement with Terre Haute and Indiana State.

"We want to thank everyone for all you have done for us during our time as president and first lady. The memories and the friendships will last a lifetime," said Bradley.

Campbell indicated that a national search for a new president would soon get underway with more details forthcoming.

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Selected milestones of the Bradley years (2009-2017)

Capital Projects

2009 Student Recreation Center

2010 University Hall

2011 Barnes and Noble/ISU Foundation, Sandison Hall

2012 Federal Hall, Pickerl Hall, John W. Moore Welcome Center, Sycamore Banquet Center, Holmstedt Plaza, Rankin Plaza

2013 Erickson Hall, Career Center

2014 Reeve Hall, Gibson Track and Field, Dede Plaza renovation

2015 Normal Hall, Mills Hall, 500 Wabash

2016 Renovation of Charles E. Brown African American Cultural Center, Blumberg Hall

2017 Redevelopment of ICON building begins, Legislature approves $15 million renovation of Fine Arts and Commerce Building, Cromwell Hall, Rhoads Hall renovation begins, Health and Human Services Building Phase I to open in December

 

Academic Degree Programs

2009 M.S. in Computer Science

2010 B.S. in Business Administration (distance), Doctor of Nursing Practice, Doctor of Physical Therapy

2011 M.S. in Physician Assistant Studies, B.S. in Engineering Technology

2012 M.S. in Occupational Therapy, M.S. in Technology Management, M.A./M.S. in Occupational Safety Management, B.S. in Civil Engineering Technology, B.S. in Packaging Engineering, B.A./B.S and M.A./M.S. in Physical Education Exercise Science, Doctor of Health Sciences, Master of Social Work, Accelerated Degree in Nursing

2013 BAS in Health Services, BAS in Technology

2014 BS in Architectural Engineering Technology, Doctor of Athletic Training, B.A./B.S. in Psychology (distance), M.S. in Educational Technology (distance), M.S. in Special Education (distance), B.A./B.S. in General Studies

2015 B.S. in Management Information Sciences (distance), M.S. in Genetic Counseling, M.S. in Mathematics (distance), B.S. in Unmanned Systems

2016 B.S. in Food Services Management, B.S. in Dietetics, M.S. in Dietetics (renamed from M.S. in Family and Consumer Science)

 

Other Achievements

Ongoing recognition from the Princeton National Review's Best of the Midwest, Guide to Green Schools, Best 296 Business Schools and Forbes' list of America's Top Colleges

2009 ISU receives its first Tree Campus USA status, ISU Intercollegiate Athletics Programs recertified by NCAA

2011 University awarded 10-year re-accreditation

2012 Creation of University College, Student Media Group, Community School of the Arts, Sycamore Graduation Guarantee, and Center for Student Research and Creativity, March On! Campaign raises $86.7 million

2013 ISU Flight Academy and Indiana Principal Leadership Institute launched, ISU ranked #1 in the nation for community service hours

2014 ISU named Nonprofit Leadership Campus of the Year

2015 Division of University Engagement and Bayh College of Education Scholars to Teachers (BEST) program launched, Carnegie Foundation reaffirms ISU's Community Engagement Classification

2016 ISU wins inaugural Engaged Campus Award

 

Enrollment Growth

2008 10,457

2009 10,534

2010 11,494

2011 11,528

2012 12,114

2013 12,448

2014 13,183

2015 13,584 (All-time enrollment record)

2016 13,565

 

Expansion of Public Art

2009 Runner

2011 Chorus of Trumpets, The Fire Within

2012 Under the Buttonwood, ISU Sphere, Renewal

2013 Larry Bird Statue

2015 A Reading Place, Solar Sycamore

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Photos: https://photos.smugmug.com/Other/Headshot-Proofs/AD-Headshot-Proofs/Bradley-Dan-and-Cheri-2017-SELECTED/i-37BdQ2L/0/438a7a15/X3/April%2011%2C%202017-%20April%2011%2C%202017-%2004_11_17_Cheri_Dan_Bradley-2197-X3.jpg -- Indiana State University President Bradley and First Lady Cheri Bradley

https://photos.smugmug.com/Other/Headshot-Proofs/AD-Headshot-Proofs/Bradley-Dan-and-Cheri-2017-SELECTED/i-bbDFJ2X/0/0744ae08/X3/April%2011%2C%202017-%20April%2011%2C%202017-%2004_11_17_Cheri_Dan_Bradley-2202-X3.jpg -- Indiana State University President Bradley and First Lady Cheri Bradley

Writer: Teresa Exline, Chief of Staff, ISU Office of the President and the Provost, 812-237-7783, teresa.exline@indstate.edu