Gov. Mike Braun appoints three new trustees, reappoints Buckner; Fires Donna Spears, Vivian Winston and Jill Burnett

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Indiana University issued the following statement Monday after trustees Donna Spears, Vivian Winston and Jill Burnett were abruptly removed following a new law granting Gov. Mike Braun the authority to hire and fire university trustees at his discretion.

Release as follows:

“For Immediate Release Jun 2, 2025

INDIANAPOLIS — Indiana Gov. Mike Braun has announced the appointment of four members of the Indiana University Board of Trustees, effective immediately.

In addition to reappointing W. Quinn Buckner, who currently serves as chair, Braun has appointed attorney James Bopp Jr., attorney Brian Eagle and sports broadcaster Sage Steele to the board. All appointees are IU alumni.

“I look forward to working with our new trustees, who join the board at a pivotal time of positive momentum for IU,” IU President Pamela Whitten said. “Each has a deep love for IU and shares our vision for putting students first, advancing groundbreaking research and serving our state.”

Buckner has served as chair of the Board of Trustees since 2021.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue serving my alma mater, which has given me so much,” Buckner said. “As chair, I welcome my new colleagues to the board and am excited to collaborate as a team to continue propelling IU to new heights.””

The post Gov. Mike Braun appoints three new trustees, reappoints Buckner; Fires Donna Spears, Vivian Winston and Jill Burnett first appeared on The Bloomingtonian.