From the Desk of the Chancellor

Last week, we said farewell to Ellen Poffenberger, who retires this month after nearly 25 years at IUPUI. Ellen was appointed as assistant vice chancellor for human resources in September 1999 after a national search. She emerged as the best candidate, yet brought with her a record of experience and leadership in several previous roles at IUPUI. She served in every facet of Human Resources Administration (HRA), including compensation, training, records management, employee relations, and benefits.

As head of HRA, Ellen’s broad background, collaborative management style, and personal warmth combined to provide an atmosphere on campus that communicated to all of us how much we were valued. With high spirits and sincere appreciation, she made the annual Employee Recognition Ceremony a superb celebration of outstanding achievements by staff members.

She launched the first staff bonus pay plan. When studies showed us that students who worked on campus made better academic progress, she took steps to promote student employment. Earlier this year, during Women’s History Month, Ellen was named Outstanding Woman Full-Time Staff Leader. She also was selected for inclusion in the Women Creating Excellence at IUPUI online exhibit.

A lasting legacy of Ellen’s management of HRA is the work/life balance program she started. It was designed to boost productivity and job satisfaction as a business strategy while integrating work, family, and community. In recognition of her commitment, the IUPUI Staff Council brought about the establishment of the new Poffenberger Work/Life Program fund. Donations may be made by sending a check to the IU Foundation (Tax ID: 35-6018940) at PO Box 663802, Indianapolis IN 46266-3802 or by giving online.

Ellen will be missed by her IUPUI colleagues, but we wish her much happiness and fulfillment in her retirement.

While we search for a successor, Martha Bulluck will serve as interim assistant vice chancellor for Human Resources Administration. Although most recently at AmeriHealth Indiana, Martha is familiar with IUPUI. She was a member of our Affirmative Action Office staff in the late 1970s. She is also an alumna, having earned a master’s degree in public administration at IUPUI in 1980.

Comments? Write chancllr@iupui.edu