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Our Mission
The University of Indianapolis champions lifelong learning through relevant and innovative education that fosters experiential learning, diverse perspectives, service for impact, and a global mindset.
Our Vision
The University of Indianapolis will be the institution of choice for a diverse group of learners who wish to engage with the world and enrich their lives through relevant and impactful education, and are empowered to transform the world with their knowledge and skills— Anywhere. Anytime. For life.
Our Values
The University imparts much more to its students than knowledge or practical skills. As an institution of higher learning, the University values:
- An emphasis on student learning in all aspects of University life;
- Faculty and student interaction that provides individual attention, engagement, and opportunities for mentoring;
- International experiences for students, faculty, and staff;
- Engagement with religious traditions in an environment of hospitality, informed by the United Methodist Church and enriched by other traditions, religious and secular;
- Purposeful engagement with the city of Indianapolis and the state of Indiana;
- Ethical, responsible, and professional behavior with respect expressed among all members of the University community;
- Individual contributions of all members of the University community toward advancing our mission.
- Pursuit of University-wide learning goals: social responsibility, critical thinking, creativity, and performance.
Closely connected to our neighborhood
The story of the University of Indianapolis, which was founded in 1902, is closely tied to its surrounding University Heights neighborhood. The two grew from infancy together, and UIndy's commitment to its neighborhood remains strong to this day. Both trace their roots back to the turn of the 20th century when William L. Elder, a local real estate developer, offered the Church of the United Brethren in Christ eight acres of real estate southeast of downtown Indianapolis to establish its desired college, as well as construction of a college building, in return for help in selling homesites around it. Though all 446 parcels had not been sold, Indiana Central University opened its doors in 1905 when the first building, now called Good Hall, was completed. From its beginning, the University has been coeducational and open to all races.
The early years
At that time, instruction was offered by eight departments: the College of Liberal Arts, Teachers’ College, Conservatory of Music, School of Oratory, School of Commerce, Bible Institute, School of Arts, and the Academy, in which students completed their preparatory work and earned high school diplomas. The University granted both bachelor of arts and master of arts degrees. In 1927, the academy was discontinued; also, by that time, most of the other departments had been embraced by the College of Liberal Arts. The North Central Association of Schools and Colleges accredited the university in March of 1947.
Church Affiliation and Changing Names
From 1946 to 1968, following the merger of the Church of the United Brethren in Christ and the Evangelical Church, the University was an Evangelical United Brethren institution. Since 1968, when the Evangelical United Brethren and Methodist churches merged, it has been affiliated with the United Methodist Church. The University was popularly known as Indiana Central College from 1921 to 1975, when use of the word university was resumed. In 1986, the name was changed to University of Indianapolis.
Legacy of presidents
UIndy has had 10 presidents:
- J. T. Roberts (1905–1908)
- L. D. Bonebrake (1909–1915)
- I. J. Good (1915–1944)
- I. Lynd Esch (1945–1970)
- Gene E. Sease (1970–1988)
- G. Benjamin Lantz, Jr. (1988–1998)
- Jerry M. Israel (1998–2005)
- Beverley J. Pitts (2005–2012)
- Robert L. Manuel (2012–2022)
- Tanuja Singh (2023–)
Land Acknowledgement
A Land Acknowledgement is a formal statement that recognizes and respects Indigenous Peoples as traditional stewards of this land and the enduring relationship that exists between Indigenous Peoples and their traditional territories.