At the Paul H. O’Neill Center for Leadership and Public Service, we are committed to bridging the gap between academic insights and real-world impact. By translating cutting-edge research into practical solutions, our initiatives empower public and nonprofit leaders, engage students with hands-on learning, and foster collaboration across sectors.
Bridging research and real-world impact
O’Neill D.C. Colloquium
Our annual O’Neill D.C. Colloquium brings together alumni, students, and friends for meaningful discussions on impactful societal issues. In 2024, Dean Siân Mooney hosts Ambassador Tim Roemer and Congresswoman Susan Brooks for a conversation on public service.
“Whether you make an entire career in public service, or whether you go in and out of public service, it's incredibly rewarding. It's all about learning. It's about taking your experiences and what you've learned, and really solving problems.”
— Former U.S. Representative Susan Brooks
Executives in Residence
We are refining the Executive in Residence (EiR) model to better leverage the expertise of prominent leaders for the benefit of our students.
Our first EiR, former Indiana Governor and U.S. Senator Evan Bayh, led impactful guest lectures and seminars for students in Bloomington and Indianapolis.
Current EiR, Brian Payne, former CEO of the Central Indiana Community Foundation and the Indianapolis Foundation, engages in guest lectures, provides professional coaching to students, and is fostering relationships with key stakeholders.
EiR Srikant Sastry leverages his extensive expertise to mentor students, collaborate with faculty, and contribute to the school’s mission of preparing leaders who will make a significant impact in public and environmental affairs.
While current EiR Janet McCabe serves at the IU Robert H. McKinney School of Law, the O’Neill School, and the IU Environmental Resilience Institute working with students, faculty, and researchers.
“I always feel like with any kind of mentoring relationship, I learned as much as anyone else does from hanging out with younger people. It keeps me active and relevant, so it’s an exchange—a mutually beneficial exchange—that I’m very excited about.”
— Brian Payne, Executive in Residence, Former president and CEO of Central Indiana Community Foundation and the Indianapolis Foundation
“O’Neill prepared me for a career of service and leadership. I have enjoyed our working relationship over many years and am honored to serve as an Executive in Residence to help prepare our students to lead for the greater good.”
— Srikant Sastry, Executive in Residence, professional services leader with experience spanning the public, private, and nonprofit sectors
“It takes both law and public policy to effect change for the benefit of society, especially in the challenging area of climate change, and IU is training the best of the best to make a difference.”
— Janet McCabe, Visiting Professor and Executive in Residence, Former Deputy Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Service-learning projects
The O’Neill School provides hands-on learning experiences in real-world settings by partnering with local nonprofits. Guided by faculty experts, students engage in service learning to deliver practical solutions for community partners.
O’Neill Online Week helps Hoosier Ticket Project grow
Leveraging the expertise of the school’s faculty and students, the Hoosier Ticket Project partnered with O’Neill Online Week to provide support and a blueprint to help the burgeoning organization grow.