Osili named chair in philanthropy at IUPUI

INDIANAPOLIS (Inside INdiana Business) — Philanthropy scholar and IUPUI Associate Dean for Research and International Programs, Una Osili, has been appointed Efroymyson Chair in Philanthropy at the IU Lilly Family School of Philanthropy at IUPUI. Osili is also a professor of economics and philanthropic studies.

“Our school and the field at large are fortunate to have Professor Osili’s exceptional talent focused on fundamental research to define and describe the shape of philanthropy in the United States and beyond. It is hard to overestimate the value of her scholarly insights, her collegial leadership and her engagement with a diverse range of audiences. She also serves as a wonderful example for so many, which is why we are pleased that this distinguished chair will help to amplify her voice,” said Amir Pasic, Ph.D., the Eugene R. Tempel Dean of the school.

The university says the Efroymyson Chair was the first endowed chair at the school and is thought to be one of the first endowed chairs in philanthropy in the United States. Osili oversees the school’s research program, and as Dean’s Fellow, she leads the Mays Family Institute on Diverse Philanthropy at the school. 

“I am honored to be named the Efroymson Chair in Philanthropy. I look forward to expanding the school’s national and global research contributions with a strong focus on how knowledge and data can improve the philanthropic sector,” Osili said.

Osili is just the second to hold the chair since it was created in 2001. She succeeds Kirsten Gronbjerg, Distinguished Scholar at the Indiana University O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs.