Institute for Civic Leadership & Mayoral Archives

UIndy's Institute for Civic Leadership & Mayoral Archives uniquely blends past, present and future. Founded in 2011, the Institute houses the archives of innovative mayors Richard Lugar, William Hudnut III, Stephen Goldsmith, Bart Peterson and Greg Ballard and also is a hub for conversations about vital issues in civic life.

The materials in UIndy’s Mayoral Archives include documents, correspondence, news clippings, video, audio, photographs and artifacts. The collection contains more than 600 archival cartons that shed light on everything from routine city operations to major historical developments—the formation of Unigov, the school desegregation lawsuit, hosting of the Pan American Games, development of White River State Park, arrival of the Colts, and building sports venues.

Digital Mayoral Archives

UIndy has partnered with technology firm HistoryIT to digitize our Mayoral Archives and establish a Digital Innovation Lab in the neighborhood. We’ve provided space near campus for the Maine-based firm to establish its second lab, bringing 20 jobs and new economic activity to our section of the city.

Gregory A. Ballard

Visiting Fellow, Institute for Civic Leadership & Mayoral Archives

As Visiting Fellow at the University of Indianapolis, Greg Ballard brings a wealth of expertise and analysis in political science, civic leadership and the pressing issues of the day, including energy policy and national security. His collaborations connect students with lawmakers and industry leaders to create solutions as they develop key professional skills. He designed and hosts an annual summit for high school sophomores, “Embracing the Future,” a program to grow leadership skills by teaching students to perceive change in a positive way.

After a twenty-three year career in the Marine Corps and retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel, Greg Ballard returned home to Indianapolis in 2001. In 2007, he ran a successful campaign to become the 48th Mayor of Indianapolis, subsequently serving two terms. While Mayor, he became a Trustee for the US Conference of Mayors and was known for his boldness and innovation by his fellow mayors. He is a graduate of Indiana University, holds a Master’s degree in Military Science, and has been awarded an Honorary Doctorate from both Butler University and Marian University. A Persian Gulf War veteran, he continues to be active in veteran causes. He is a member of the Indiana Veteran Affairs Commission and board member of the Indiana War Memorial Foundation. Greg and his wife, Winnie, have been married for 35 years and have two children, Erica and Greg Jr.

Listen to Mayor Ballard’s interview with Veteran Strategies, Inc. for the podcast “Leaders and Legends,” which first aired in February 2019.

Symposia & Lectures

The Institute hosts the Richard M. Fairbanks Symposium on Civic Leadership each year, as well as additional conferences, lectures and gatherings throughout the year. The 2017 Symposium, Building Vibrant Cities Through Greenspaces & Parks will engage community leaders about why parks and greenspaces are vital to attractive, innovative and vibrant cities. 

Internships

Maintaining the archives requires a lot of work. The Institute is currently developing internship opportunities for graduate and undergraduate students.