Last modified: Monday, September 13, 2004
Sibbitt named director of IU advocacy group Hoosiers for Higher Education
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. -- Indiana University today (Sept. 13) announced that Deborah L. Sibbitt is the new director of Hoosiers for Higher Education, IU's statewide organization devoted to promoting matters of interest and concern among Indiana's universities.
In that role, Sibbitt will serve as the principal coordinator of the largest and oldest university-based advocacy organization in the nation. She will report to Tom Healy, IU vice president for government relations.
"Debbie has the energy and insight to enhance the HHE organization," Healy said. "Her background will help us keep the hearts and minds of IU alumni, students, parents and friends at the forefront."
A Bloomington native and a 1977 graduate of the Kelley School of Business, Sibbitt has more than 25 years of experience in sales, marketing and civic affairs. She currently serves on the Bloomington Hospital Foundation board and served as chair of the board of directors for Bloomington Hospital and Healthcare System for many years.
Her career includes a five-year stint as executive director and assistant director of the Bloomington/Monroe County Convention and Visitors Bureau and more than a decade of experience in marketing and sales in health care and real estate at both the local and statewide levels. In addition, Sibbitt has played key roles with a variety of civic and charitable organizations, including the American Red Cross, Girls Inc. and the Colloquium for Women of Indiana University.
"I am pleased and honored to accept this role," Sibbitt said. "IU has a great story to tell and our HHE volunteers are some of the best spokespeople for IU's excellence and impact on our communities, state and nation."
Sibbitt follows Kirk R. White, a major in the Indiana Army National Guard, who was called to active duty for service with the 76th Infantry Brigade deployed to Afghanistan. Upon his return from active duty, he will resume his community relations activities in the Office of the Vice President for University Relations and Corporate Partnerships. He will take on new duties in IU's enhanced efforts in statewide university relations and corporate partnerships.
HHE is a statewide organization of more than 9,000 members. As part of their efforts, members of the group attend forums and communicate with elected officials. HHE gathers in Indianapolis annually to meet with and thank elected officials for their support of the state's colleges and universities.
