IU Foundation appoints Rogers to work with university on diversity, equity and multicultural affairs

  • Oct. 9, 2013

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. -- The Indiana University Foundation has appointed Joyce Q. Rogers as vice president for development and external relations for diversity, equity and multicultural affairs and senior advisor for strategic development initiatives.

The newly created position is charged with increasing the presence and significance of the university among prospective and current minority students, alumni, business and community leaders and donors. Emphasis will be placed on securing private support for the university’s diversity and inclusiveness initiatives, particularly those related to the Bloomington campus.

"Joyce Rogers is an extraordinarily accomplished leader possessing talents and skills that will enable Indiana University to more readily and effectively accomplish a broad range of strategic objectives designed to strengthen our institution, including those focusing on enhancing the student experience, diversity and inclusiveness," IU President Michael A. McRobbie said. "She has distinguished herself in every facet of her work and enjoys the respect and admiration of all of those with whom she interacts by virtue of her exceptional character and integrity. We welcome her to IU."

Rogers, an IU alumna, is currently vice president for development for Ivy Tech Community College, where she is responsible for day-to-day operations for development. Under her leadership, the Ivy Tech Foundation’s assets have increased by nearly $100 million, growing the foundation’s total managed assets to more than $150 million. Also with her direction, the foundation advanced a statewide development plan with a $500 million goal by 2019; rebranded and created a statewide marketing plan for development; implemented a statewide database system to increase accountability; and established the college’s first statewide alumni program, doubling assets the first year.

Rogers came to Ivy Tech from Indiana Black Expo Inc., where she served as president and CEO. In this role, she managed the organization’s youth and family programs and more than 50 events annually -- including Summer Celebration, the largest African American event of its kind in the nation. From 2004 to 2007, Rogers grew Indiana Black Expo’s revenue by $1.1 million and increased the economic impact for the city of Indianapolis by more than $15 million.

Before being appointed president and CEO, Rogers was hired as the organization’s first chief operating officer in 2001. Before joining Indiana Black Expo, she was director of contract management for the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration.

"Joyce is tremendously well respected throughout the state, and has the talent and vision to help IU in realizing our goals for diversity and equity," said IU Executive Vice President and IU Bloomington Provost Lauren Robel. "We are delighted to welcome her to IU Bloomington and eager to benefit from her expertise in creating the connections and the climate to ensure success for underrepresented minority and first-generation students."

In her new role, Rogers will collaborate with the Office of the Vice President for Diversity, Equity and Multicultural Affairs, the IU Foundation and campus senior officers in developing and executing student recruitment, external relations and fundraising strategies that support and advance diversity and inclusiveness initiatives at IU. She will also help to define and manage a board of advisors to support DEMA in fulfilling its mission. 

"I'm thrilled to have Joyce Rogers join our team," said James C. Wimbush, IU vice president for diversity, equity and multicultural affairs and dean of the University Graduate School. "Her breadth of experience, expertise in fundraising and relationship building, and passion for diversity issues will help Indiana University tremendously. She will hit the ground running."

Rogers will work with IU Foundation President and CEO Dan Smith in creating and implementing an action-oriented strategy for increasing the philanthropic support for DEMA’s current and new initiatives. She will also be conducting a fundraising feasibility study that will lead to a five-year plan that will guide fundraising activities for diversity and inclusiveness initiatives.

"Bringing Joyce onto our team represents an exciting and innovative collaboration between the IU Foundation and the university," Smith said. "She will work with university leaders to help craft diversity initiatives and at the same time help secure the funding necessary to make those initiatives a success. I am particularly impressed with her ability to bring clarity and focus to complex situations and with her proven results-oriented perspective. I am confident that she will be highly successful in securing the private support necessary to convert innovative ideas into exciting and life-changing realities." 

In reflecting on her new role, Rogers said, “Indiana University allowed me to fulfill my childhood dream of becoming a lawyer. It is a humbling honor to work alongside such a dedicated team of students, faculty, staff and supporters as we strive to give all students the opportunity to realize their educational aspirations. I look forward to collaborating with James Wimbush and Dan Smith in strengthening the university’s culture of inclusiveness."

Rogers is highly engaged in a wide range of community and civic organizations. She is a member of the American, Indiana, Marion County and Indianapolis bar associations and has served on numerous boards and committees including the Mind Trust, WFYI, Dress for Success, Brebeuf Jesuit Board of Trustees, the Ivy Tech Community College Regional Board for Indianapolis, Stanley K. Lacey Leadership Association, Family Support Board, United Way, Indiana Fever Advisory Board and the Women’s Collaborative of Central Indiana. She has also served as an active member of her church and chair of its board of trustees.

Rogers’ appointment drew the praise of Rose M. Mays, professor emerita at the IU School of Nursing at IUPUI and IU Foundation board director.

"Joyce is a gifted organizer and fundraiser," Mays said. "She was extremely helpful in guiding me through the process of providing a major gift for Ivy Tech. She is highly conscientious and has a contagious enthusiasm for higher education and its power to improve students' lives. Joyce also has a well-developed network of relationships cultivated during her time as the principal organizer of the Indiana Black Expo, where her leadership resulted in significant improvements in all aspects of the event. I am confident that Joyce will have a material impact on the diversity and inclusiveness programs at Indiana University."

Rogers earned her Bachelor of Science degree in psychology from Indiana State University and her law degree from the IU McKinney School of Law. She and her husband, Kenneth, reside in Indianapolis and have two daughters and one son.

The Office of the Vice President for Diversity, Equity and Multicultural Affairs strives to foster an inclusive environment that promotes and nurtures diversity, broadly defined, on all campuses of Indiana University. To fulfill its mission, the office strategically focuses on the recruitment and retention of faculty, staff and students; the promotion of a welcoming and positive campus climate; and engagement in outreach and advocacy locally and nationally.

Founded in 1936, the Indiana University Foundation maximizes private support for Indiana University by fostering lifelong relationships with key stakeholders and providing advancement leadership and fundraising services for campuses and units across the university. Today, the foundation oversees one of the largest public university endowments in the country, with a market value in excess of $1.7 billion. In fiscal year 2013, IU received $305.9 million in support from the private sector. IU is consistently ranked among the top four of Big Ten universities in annual voluntary support.

Joyce Q. Rogers

Joyce Q. Rogers

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Media Contacts

Kathy Gutowsky

Indiana University Foundation

  • Office 812-856-4152
  • kgutowsk@iu.edu