Graduate extends bond past graduation

J. Thomas Forbes believes many things have shaped him throughout his life. But he says his experiences at IU form the foundation of who he is today.\nForbes, IU's executive director of state relations, graduated from IU with a bachelor's degree in political science in 1990. As an undergraduate, he served as student body president, a position that first exposed him to political leadership and university government.\nForbes continued his education at IU, earning a master's degree in public affairs and philanthropic studies. From 1990 to 2001, he served on the IU board of trustees, worked as special assistant to the president and coordinator of federal relations and was assistant vice president for public affairs and government relations.\nAfter four years working as assistant vice president for university relations at Michigan State, he returned to IU in July 2004 to become executive director of state relations. The job is a demanding one, but he is eager to continue to help shape the University that helped shape him, he said.\n"IU has given me so many opportunities to learn and grow," Forbes said. "I feel like this is a way to give back."\nAs the executive director of state relations, Forbes acts as an intermediary between the University and the state government. He represents IU's interests to both the executive and legislative branches of Indiana's government. \n"The hardest part of my job sometimes is helping the legislation and the people on campus understand each other and what is being accomplished," Forbes said. "The legislative process is a process that evolves and changes. The hardest part of my job is to help bridge that understanding."\nForbes does not do his job simply by sitting behind a desk. When the Indiana General Assembly is in session, Forbes spends four days a week at the Statehouse in Indianapolis talking and working closely with legislators.\n"All elected officials are working hard to do the right thing and make Indiana a better state," Forbes said. "I work to move things through the legislative process."\nThe current General Assembly session began in January and most likely will last through April. Forbes' residence is in Bloomington, but he often makes Indianapolis his home. Although they spend weekends together, time away from his three children presents the biggest challenge of all. \n"Being a dad is probably the most important job I have," he said. "Not getting to see them during session is the hardest part of my job."\nDespite this loss of family time, Forbes' work in Indianapolis is vital to IU. Vice President for Government Relations Tom Healy recognizes Forbes' hard work and dedication to the University; he said he was pleased to hire Forbes back from Michigan State.\n"He is truly doing an outstanding job representing IU," Healy said. "He understands the political side of issues and the University's side. He has a background that has prepared him well."\nHealy said because IU President Adam Herbert combined state relations, federal relations and Hoosiers for Higher Education to create the Office of Government Relations, the three branches have learned to work together and help each other out. Forbes is a vital part in maintaining communication and teamwork within government relations.\n"We're trying to build the program," Forbes said. "We've been trying to improve communication on campus, and we're working to build and develop relationships. I get to work with some incredible, thoughtful and intelligent people." \nAlthough the job is demanding, Forbes speaks about his opportunities to help shape and change IU with enthusiasm and excitement. He is looking forward to improving the University that has been a major part of his life in any way he can, he said.\n"I'm advancing something that is really important," he said. "We're working to make people's lives better. Few institutions touch people's lives in the way we do and make them better. I want to see us have the resources to grow and develop as one of the world's leading universities."\n-- Contact Staff Writer Megan Hubartt at mhubartt@indiana.edu.