Indiana legislators recently passed a state budget proposal that would grant Governor Mike Braun the authority to appoint all nine IU trustees and remove those elected by alumni. However, there is an ongoing trustee election to find a replacement for Vivian Winston, who was elected in 2022 and decided not to seek re-election this year. The two other alumni-elected trustees are Jill Maurer Burnett (elected by alumni in 2024) and Donna B. Spears (elected in 2023), both of whom could lose their seats after the law is signed by the Governor. There are currently six candidates running in the 2025 IU trustee election to replace Winston, but they may never see election day. Regardless, any could win the favor of Braun and gain an appointed seat.
The Indiana Commons reached out to Indiana University election officials about the status of the 2025 IU trustee election.
“We have not yet heard about the decision for the 2025 election,” said a staff member. “The governor has not yet signed the bill so we must wait until an announcement has been made.”
[RELATED: Braun may appoint all IU trustees under new bill]
The Indiana Commons also reached out to Indiana University President Pamela Whitten’s Office.
“The university is reviewing the impacts of the state budget passed on Thursday,” said a spokesperson responding on behalf of Whitten.
[RELATED: Proposal for governor to appoint all IU trustees gains support of College Republicans]
2025 IU Trustee Election Candidates
Jonathan Greenberg, from near Highland Park, Illinois
- Interesting Points: CEO of Empower Illinois, which advocates for school choice. Previously served as Midwest Director for the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC). Supports disciplining students who violate IHRA definition of antisemitism. Focused on affordability, viewpoint diversity, civics, combatting antisemitism.
Scott Gudeman, MD, from Greenwood, Indiana
- Interesting Points: Supports the Indiana Daily Student as well as student and alumni involvement in decision-making. He believes the “Dunn Meadow demonstration and its images on April 25, 2024,” “two separate votes of no confidence by IU faculty regarding the IU President,” and “the lack of transparency, adequate debate, and accountability by the Board of Trustees in the IU president’s reappointment process on February 20, 2025” negatively impacted Indiana University.
Mike Lancioni, from Valparaiso, Indiana
- Interesting Points: Has engaged in environmentalist work. President of the Indiana Chapter of Delta Upsilon Alumni Corporation Board.
Mark Land, from Charlton, New York
- Interesting Points: Had a lengthy journalism career. He thinks trustees should “know their role and stay in their lane,” while “at the same time… [be] willing to ask uncomfortable questions and hold the administration accountable for its performance and actions,” and “[be] accountable for their own actions and decisions,” and “never lose sight of the fact that they are there to protect and promote the interests of the university, the students it serves and those who make that education possible.”
John McGlothlin III, from Austin, Texas
- Interesting Points: Ran unsuccessfully last year, and has publicly opposed Gov. Braun taking control of the trustee election process. Emphasizes the importance of shared governance. Previously endorsed by the Indiana Graduate Workers Coalition.
Justin A. Vasel, from Bloomington, Indiana
- Interesting Points: Emphasizes Transparency in decision-making, Authentic shared governance, Principled leadership and Financial stewardship. Supports graduate worker collective bargaining and fossil fuel divestment.
For more information about the candidates, visit the Indiana University alumni website.