As University chancellor, Gros Louis follows icon Herman B Wells

Interim IU-Bloomington Chancellor Ken Gros Louis has been following in former IU President Herman B Wells' footsteps for years.\nSo it was only fitting that IU President Adam Herbert named Gros Louis as IU's second University chancellor ever, following Wells' legacy again.\n"It is extremely appropriate that he be recognized for outstanding service and leadership on this campus and the entire University," said Herbert, noting Gros Louis would be an appropriate successor to Wells.\nIn his position as University chancellor, Gros Louis will assist in alumni relations, fundraising and "serving as a stable influence in times of difficulty."\nGros Louis, who was approved for the position Saturday and will begin serving Feb. 1, has seen his history intertwine with Wells' for quite some time. In his speech Saturday, Herbert pointed out that both started as professors at IUB, moved on to become deans of major schools at IU and then became campus leaders (Wells as president, Gros Louis as chancellor). Both served the University for more than 40 years.\nTheir fates collided long before Gros Louis came to teach at IU. As an undergraduate at Columbia University, Gros Louis met Wells in 1956 at a national convention for Sigma Nu, the fraternity they shared. Even then, Gros Louis admired Wells.\n"Right away, I knew he was a brilliant man and a terrific leader," Gros Louis said. "Of course later on he would become a good friend and mentor to me."\nGros Louis asked Wells to look at some of his speeches and advise him on policy matters relating to the University. Now, Gros Louis gets to focus on that role as mentor for Herbert and IU's next leaders.\nGros Louis said he is honored to be named to such a position and that he looks forward to the flexibility the job will provide. He said unlike his role as chancellor, he won't be required to attend as many meetings to deal with day-to-day operations, which will free him up to do the "fun part" of the job.\n"When I came back from winter break, my calendar was almost filled for the entire month," he said. "So this will allow me to spend more time with students and other members of the faculty."\nGros Louis said he plans to meet with student groups on a regular basis just as Wells did, but unlike the first University chancellor, he won't dress up like Santa Claus every year.\n"I wouldn't want it to appear I was trying to imitate Wells," he said with a laugh.\nGros Louis plans to continue in the job as long as Wells did, who served in the position until his death in 2000.\nInterim Provost Michael McRobbie said he won't be forcing Gros Louis out of his office come Feb. 1, so during the first few months as University chancellor, it is expected Gros Louis will help with the University's transition into a new leadership structure.\nHerbert made sure to note at the meeting how grateful he is that Gros Louis has come back to continue to serve IU.\n"After earning a well-earned retirement -- at least he thought he was going into retirement -- he answered my call to return to duty," Herbert said. "He's earned his reputation as an effective leader who has always focused his course of action on the best interests of the University."\nEach faculty member or trustee interviewed showed enthusiasm for Gros Louis in the new role.\n"There really isn't a better successor to Wells than Gros Louis," said law professor Fred . "I think it's an appropriate recognition for a man who has done so much for this campus"