First student completes O’Neill’s new Community and Organizational Leadership Studies degree

Posted on May 12, 2025 by Leslie Wells

Naila Taliz is the first student to graduate with a Community and Organizational Leadership Studies degree from the O’Neill School.

As Naila Taliz sat with her advisors, she filled out a questionnaire to help her better understand her interests. Until that moment, she had struggled to decide what she wanted to do as a future career.

“I was really trapped and had no idea where I was going,” she admits. “I just knew that I wanted to work with people.”

As they reviewed her survey answers, themes began to emerge. Leadership and management were at the top of the list.

Her advisor talked to her about programs designed to help students learn to lead, regardless of where their careers take them.

In O’Neill’s Community and Organizational Leadership Studies program, Taliz dove into learning about the theories and types of leadership and how to be a resource for others. As she made her way through the program, she found a home in the human resource management field.

“I have found that I really do enjoy working with people, and that’s what I want to do—I’ve loved it so far,” she says. “This program really challenged what I already knew as a leader. Rather than having an expectation of people, I now have an open mind so I can dig into what makes each employee different.”

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O’Neill names Outstanding Student Award recipients in each degree program

Posted on May 6, 2025 by Leslie Wells

O’Neill Indianapolis has named its Outstanding Students for its five degree programs for the Class of 2025. Each year, the O’Neill School faculty votes on one student from each of its degree-granting programs to receive the award.

The students are recognized for their academic achievements and merit during their time with the O’Neill School. One student is selected to represent the Master of Public Affairs program, the Master of Science in Criminal Justice and Public Safety program, the Bachelor of Community and Organizational Leadership Studies, the Bachelor of Science in Public Affairs, and the Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice.

At the graduate level, the 2025 recipients are Faith Odiete (MPA: Specialized Study) and Sydney Powers (MSCJPS). On the undergraduate side, Christina Bruce (BSCOLS), Lance Varnell (BSPA), and Bridget Janney (BSCJ) all earned the award.

Each student will receive their award at the O’Neill Graduate Recognition event on May 12, 2025.

O’Neill’s Sydney Powers receives Queener Award, Outstanding MSCJPS Award

Posted on May 5, 2025 by Leslie Wells

Sydney Powers came to O’Neill to build on a foundation in criminal justice. She already had a bachelor’s degree in criminology and criminal justice and a double minor in forensic investigation and law enforcement and evidence. But she wanted more.

“I recognized just how deeply rooted my passion for criminal justice and public service truly was,” she recalls. “Throughout my academic journey, I’ve been consistently drawn to the intersection of justice, policy, and public service.”

That’s when she started looking at graduate schools. She came to O’Neill to explore its Master of Science in Criminal Justice and Public Safety degree program and says it felt like home from the moment she visited. She says the sense of community was immediate.

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O’Neill faculty and milestones celebrated at end of academic year

Posted on April 30, 2025 by Leslie Wells

As the 2024–25 academic year comes to a close, O’Neill faculty members are being recognized for their work throughout the year and their careers. Whether receiving awards for their teaching practices, research, support of students, or their commitment to Indiana University, 16 O’Neill faculty received recognition for their efforts.

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Stucky appointed faculty fellow for IU Indianapolis’ Chancellor’s Office

Posted on April 28, 2025 by Leslie Wells

A man stands in a window-lined hallway wearing a blue blazer, blue shirt, and yellow tie. — O’Neill Professor Tom Stucky

Written by: Tia Broz, IU Communications and Marketing

IU Indianapolis Chancellor Latha Ramchand has appointed O’Neill Professor Tom Stucky to serve as faculty fellow for the Office of the Chancellor. Stucky has been a member of the school’s criminal justice faculty since 2004.

In his role as faculty fellow for the chancellor’s office, he will collaborate with faculty, staff and students to lead discussions on developing a clear set of values and guiding principles for the campus.

“As a faculty member on the Indianapolis campus for more than 20 years, it is truly an honor to facilitate these critical conversations among the university’s stakeholders,” Stucky said. “Our discussions will help chart a vision for the coming decades at IU Indianapolis; using the best from our first 50 years as a foundation to grow in our mission to provide transformative experiences for students and support the health and prosperity of Indiana.”

While reporting to Chancellor Latha Ramchand, Stucky will also work closely with Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor Jay Gladden and the Indianapolis Faculty Council Executive Committee.

The appointment is effective Aug. 1, 2025, to May 31, 2026.