28 Marian University President Daniel J. Elsener Named to Indiana 250 for the Third Time

Marian University President Daniel J. Elsener has once again been recognized among Indiana’s most influential leaders, earning a spot on the Indiana 250 list for the third time. Compiled annually by IBJ Media, the list honors 250 individuals who are shaping Indiana’s future across business, education, law, government, and civic life.

This year’s honorees were celebrated at a reception on July 23 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum.

“Adding new people to the Indiana 250 is one of our favorite things about creating each year’s list, but it always requires tough decisions,” said Nate Feltman, CEO and publisher of IBJ Media. “Our goal is to represent people who are making an impact now.”

Since his appointment in 2001, President Elsener has led Marian University through a period of bold transformation. Under his leadership, the institution has grown its statewide enrollment to more than 5,000 students, opened Indiana’s first new medical school in over a century —the Wood College of Osteopathic Medicine —and launched both the Klipsch Educators College and the E.S. Witchger School of Engineering. Marian’s Center for Vibrant Schools now partners with K–12 schools across Indiana to strengthen literacy for more than 50,000 students.

“It is once again humbling and inspiring to be included among this list of truly outstanding Hoosier leaders,” said Marian University President Daniel J. Elsener. “This recognition is a reflection of the entire Marian University community and all of the remarkable accomplishments we have achieved in serving our students and the state of Indiana over the years. I would like to especially highlight our dedicated faculty, staff, alumni, and the outstanding members of our Board of Trustees,” President Elsener said.

As featured in his Indiana 250 profile, President Elsener reflects the values and vision that have defined his leadership:

• • Defining Success: “Are people growing? Are we advancing the interests of those we have committed to serve?”
• • What He’d Change in Indiana: “I would like to ensure that 95% of all Indiana schoolchildren test at a level on literacy.”
• • Leadership Lesson: “It's easier to take on really big challenges with big benefits than small things of average consequence.”

President Elsener is one of a select group of leaders honored on the Indiana 250 list since its inception. This affirms his enduring impact on higher education, workforce development, quality education illumined by the light of faith, and the future of Indiana.

“Our fruitful partnerships with businesses, K-12 education, government, philanthropists, health care leaders, and the other great universities in this state have given Marian University the opportunity to play a critical role in advancing the cultural, social, and economic well-being of our state and nation,” President Elsener said. “This honor inspires the entire Marian University community to redouble our efforts to continue our bold initiatives that attract, develop, place, and inspire talented people to stay, work, innovate, and thrive in the state of Indiana.”