No Time-Out For New Trustee
What do you do with all that spare time when you've just finished
the first two years of medical school, have two years of rigorous
clinical rotations ahead, and are immersed in intensive coursework
and labs to earn your research doctorate? In Erin Haag's case, it's
just the time to help forge the future of Indiana University as
the newest member of the IU board of trustees.
“When I first learned about the position on the board, it
sounded intriguing to me,” recalls Haag, who was appointed
last summer by the late Gov. Frank O'Bannon. “I felt I had
something to contribute and that my background would allow me to
bring a point of view to the board that represents the diverse group
of students who make up Indiana University.”
She was among more than thirty students applying for the trustee
position, which included interviews with the governor's staff. The
future physician and researcher joins seven other trustees, who
are responsible for governing all IU property and facilities, setting
policies regarding students, faculty and employees, and prescribing
tuition and fees. She will have to become well versed in board functions,
how all eight IU campuses operate, and state regulations relating
to higher education.
The Carmel, Ind., native completed her first two years of medical
school and is now in the second year of her doctoral studies under
the tutelage of Maureen Harrington, PhD, professor in the Department
of Biochemistry. Haag is focusing on inflammatory signaling. She
hopes to finish her PhD in 2005 and her MD in 2007.
Haag anticipates her two-year term on the board will be a fulfilling
experience, but sees her primary obligation as representing the
best interests of today's and tomorrow's students.
“I want the student body of Indiana University to know that
I am here for them,” says Haag, who earned degrees in French
and arts and letters pre-professional studies at the University
of Notre Dame in 2002. She adds the best way for students to contact
her is via her email, ehaag@iupui.edu.
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